Cori Abraham
Vice President, Development and Original Programming, Bravo
As Vice President, Development and Original Programming, Cori Abraham oversees Bravo's East and West Coast development teams. She is responsible for all of the network’s development, including over 30 pilots, casting and presentation reels and oversight of many first cycle series, among them the upcoming "Date My Ex: Jo & Slade." Abraham joined Bravo in 2004 and developed and produced a number of series and specials including the Emmy-winning "Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List," the popular series "Work Out," and Bravo's string of "Funny Girl" stand-up specials with Griffin, Whoopi Goldberg, Joan Rivers, Caroline Rhea and Paula Poundstone, as well as the much-talked-about series "Hey Paula."
Vice President, Development and Original Programming, Bravo
As Vice President, Development and Original Programming, Cori Abraham oversees Bravo's East and West Coast development teams. She is responsible for all of the network’s development, including over 30 pilots, casting and presentation reels and oversight of many first cycle series, among them the upcoming "Date My Ex: Jo & Slade." Abraham joined Bravo in 2004 and developed and produced a number of series and specials including the Emmy-winning "Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List," the popular series "Work Out," and Bravo's string of "Funny Girl" stand-up specials with Griffin, Whoopi Goldberg, Joan Rivers, Caroline Rhea and Paula Poundstone, as well as the much-talked-about series "Hey Paula."
Joseph Adalian
TV Editor, TheWrap.com
Josef Adalian joined TheWrap.com as TV Editor in August 2009 from TV Week, where he built the TVMoJoe blog and served as deputy editor. From 1998-2008, Adalian worked at Variety, where he was co-TV editor and covered everything from primetime development to the network news business. He joined Variety after four years covering television at the New York Post. He has interviewed a wide range of industry executives, producers and celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, Conan O’Brien, Howard Stern and Gary Coleman.
TV Editor, TheWrap.com
Josef Adalian joined TheWrap.com as TV Editor in August 2009 from TV Week, where he built the TVMoJoe blog and served as deputy editor. From 1998-2008, Adalian worked at Variety, where he was co-TV editor and covered everything from primetime development to the network news business. He joined Variety after four years covering television at the New York Post. He has interviewed a wide range of industry executives, producers and celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, Conan O’Brien, Howard Stern and Gary Coleman.
Tom Ara
Counsel, Mannatt/Phelps
Tom Ara is counsel in Manatt’s Los Angeles office. He focuses his practice on entertainment industry transactions, intellectual property, and entertainment labor and employment matters. Ara counsels and represents a diverse entertainment and media industry clientele, including feature film studios, television networks, production companies, Internet and mobile-based content producers and distributors, and entertainment-related technology companies. He advises clients at all stages of feature film, television, and new media financing and production, including high-level talent agreements, development agreements, production legal services, copyrights and trademarks, Hollywood guild agreements, music placement and licensing agreements, and domestic and foreign licensing and distribution. His projects have included, “Dancing with the Stars,” “Benefactor,” “Biggest Loser Asia”, “Muppets Special,” “Disney Channel Backstage,” “Princess Ka’iulani,” “Rest Stop 2: Don’t Look Back,” “Otis,” “Alien Raiders,” and “Teenage Paparazzi.”
Counsel, Mannatt/Phelps
Tom Ara is counsel in Manatt’s Los Angeles office. He focuses his practice on entertainment industry transactions, intellectual property, and entertainment labor and employment matters. Ara counsels and represents a diverse entertainment and media industry clientele, including feature film studios, television networks, production companies, Internet and mobile-based content producers and distributors, and entertainment-related technology companies. He advises clients at all stages of feature film, television, and new media financing and production, including high-level talent agreements, development agreements, production legal services, copyrights and trademarks, Hollywood guild agreements, music placement and licensing agreements, and domestic and foreign licensing and distribution. His projects have included, “Dancing with the Stars,” “Benefactor,” “Biggest Loser Asia”, “Muppets Special,” “Disney Channel Backstage,” “Princess Ka’iulani,” “Rest Stop 2: Don’t Look Back,” “Otis,” “Alien Raiders,” and “Teenage Paparazzi.”
Sean Atkins
Vice President, West Coast Production and Development, Discovery Studios
Sean Atkins is the Vice President, West Coast Production and Development, for Discovery Studios. In addition to managing the day-to-day activities at the studio, he supervises West Coast development and production of series, specials and content for Discovery Studios’ clients. He also maintains relationships with the general Southern California production community and serves as a key liaison with Discovery Communications’ Los Angeles-based networks TLC, Planet Green and OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. Atkins came to Discovery from HBO, where he was Senior Vice President of Digital Media. While there, he served as the company’s senior digital media executive, developing a multi-platform digital programming strategy to boost various HBO platforms. Prior to HBO, Atkins was Head of Development and Programming for Yahoo!, Inc. In this role, he led programming and cross-functional operations for all the Yahoo! Entertainment properties.
Vice President, West Coast Production and Development, Discovery Studios
Sean Atkins is the Vice President, West Coast Production and Development, for Discovery Studios. In addition to managing the day-to-day activities at the studio, he supervises West Coast development and production of series, specials and content for Discovery Studios’ clients. He also maintains relationships with the general Southern California production community and serves as a key liaison with Discovery Communications’ Los Angeles-based networks TLC, Planet Green and OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. Atkins came to Discovery from HBO, where he was Senior Vice President of Digital Media. While there, he served as the company’s senior digital media executive, developing a multi-platform digital programming strategy to boost various HBO platforms. Prior to HBO, Atkins was Head of Development and Programming for Yahoo!, Inc. In this role, he led programming and cross-functional operations for all the Yahoo! Entertainment properties.
Gary Auerbach
Partner, Go Go Luckey Productions
Gary Auerbach formed Go Go Luckey Productions with his wife and partner Julie in 2002. Known for its cinematic docusoap hit LAGUNA BEACH: THE REAL ORANGE COUNTY (MTV), Go Go Luckey produces scripted, unscripted and branded entertainment content for a diverse range of networks and media platforms. As a writer/director/show-runner/producer, Auerbach has flexed his creativity on a string of successful television series including SINGLED OUT starring Jenny McCarthy, PUNK’D, and THE JON STEWART SHOW. Auerbach has produced more than 800 hours of programming across the docusoap, comedy, documentary, short film, and new media genres, and has been honored with several awards including the prestigious Peabody Award for his two-hour documentary DECADE. He is also an accomplished feature film writer and director.
Partner, Go Go Luckey Productions
Gary Auerbach formed Go Go Luckey Productions with his wife and partner Julie in 2002. Known for its cinematic docusoap hit LAGUNA BEACH: THE REAL ORANGE COUNTY (MTV), Go Go Luckey produces scripted, unscripted and branded entertainment content for a diverse range of networks and media platforms. As a writer/director/show-runner/producer, Auerbach has flexed his creativity on a string of successful television series including SINGLED OUT starring Jenny McCarthy, PUNK’D, and THE JON STEWART SHOW. Auerbach has produced more than 800 hours of programming across the docusoap, comedy, documentary, short film, and new media genres, and has been honored with several awards including the prestigious Peabody Award for his two-hour documentary DECADE. He is also an accomplished feature film writer and director.
Thom Beers
CEO/Executive Producer, Original Productions
The driving force behind the Primetime Emmy® winning “Deadliest Catch,” and “Ice Road Truckers,” and top-rated shows “Axemen,” “Monster Garage,” and “America’s Toughest Jobs,” Thom Beers has created a unique brand of television programming featuring unheralded heroes in high risk, high reward situations. His catalogue of more than 40 series is firmly entrenched across cable powerhouses Discovery Communications Networks, History, WeTV, SPIKE TV, The National Geographic Channel, TruTV and TLC among others. The New York Times says Beers “is the unchallenged king of a reality television form variously known by names like ‘macho TV’ or ‘testoster-reality’ that has swept across cable channels like a ratings-driven wildfire.” In the realm of network television, Beers along with Berman Braun put together an unprecedented deal with the NBC Television Network. Original Productions is now producing 30 hours of programming for the network, the first series titled “America’s Toughest Jobs” premiered in NBC’s Fall 2008 line-up. With that announcement Beers and his company will be, at any given time, airing the most unscripted shows.
CEO/Executive Producer, Original Productions
The driving force behind the Primetime Emmy® winning “Deadliest Catch,” and “Ice Road Truckers,” and top-rated shows “Axemen,” “Monster Garage,” and “America’s Toughest Jobs,” Thom Beers has created a unique brand of television programming featuring unheralded heroes in high risk, high reward situations. His catalogue of more than 40 series is firmly entrenched across cable powerhouses Discovery Communications Networks, History, WeTV, SPIKE TV, The National Geographic Channel, TruTV and TLC among others. The New York Times says Beers “is the unchallenged king of a reality television form variously known by names like ‘macho TV’ or ‘testoster-reality’ that has swept across cable channels like a ratings-driven wildfire.” In the realm of network television, Beers along with Berman Braun put together an unprecedented deal with the NBC Television Network. Original Productions is now producing 30 hours of programming for the network, the first series titled “America’s Toughest Jobs” premiered in NBC’s Fall 2008 line-up. With that announcement Beers and his company will be, at any given time, airing the most unscripted shows.
Adrian Belic
Director, Producer
Adrian grew up with feet in two worlds. As a child he went to school in the United States and spent his summers behind the “Iron Curtain” in Eastern Europe with family. He began making films at the age of nine with his childhood friend Christopher Nolan (Director: Memento, Batman - Begins / Dark Night). Adrian graduated from the University of Southern California with a Political Science / International Relations degree. He and his brother Roko’s first film was the Academy Award nominated GENGHIS BLUES. His follow up film is the multi-award winning BEYOND THE CALL.
Director, Producer
Adrian grew up with feet in two worlds. As a child he went to school in the United States and spent his summers behind the “Iron Curtain” in Eastern Europe with family. He began making films at the age of nine with his childhood friend Christopher Nolan (Director: Memento, Batman - Begins / Dark Night). Adrian graduated from the University of Southern California with a Political Science / International Relations degree. He and his brother Roko’s first film was the Academy Award nominated GENGHIS BLUES. His follow up film is the multi-award winning BEYOND THE CALL.
Alex Ben Block
Contributing Editor, The Hollywood Reporter
Entertainment industry journalist, author, broadcaster and show business historian Alex Ben Block is Contributing Editor at The Hollywood Reporter. He is Co-Editor of “Blockbusting: The Business of Filmmaking: A Decade-by-Decade Survey,” for Harper Books and George Lucas Books, due to be published in 2010. Block returned to The Hollywood Reporter in Spring 2009, where he had been Editor in the 1990's. He is also Show Business Historian for Hollywood Today, contributor to The Advertising Show on radio and served as Director of Programming for The American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival. He has been Associate Editor of Forbes Magazine, entertainment editor in Miami, columnist and critic in Detroit and an editor at the L. A. Herald Examiner. He has written for many publications and is author of the critically acclaimed books "OUTFOXED: The Inside Story of America's Fourth Television Network," and international bestseller "The Legend of Bruce Lee." Block regularly contributes to KPCC-FM's "Call Sheet," John Rabe’s “Off Ramp” and KNBC, The Today Show, CNBC, NPR, CBS News, KNX, NBC News, O’Reilly on Fox, CNN and elsewhere.
Contributing Editor, The Hollywood Reporter
Entertainment industry journalist, author, broadcaster and show business historian Alex Ben Block is Contributing Editor at The Hollywood Reporter. He is Co-Editor of “Blockbusting: The Business of Filmmaking: A Decade-by-Decade Survey,” for Harper Books and George Lucas Books, due to be published in 2010. Block returned to The Hollywood Reporter in Spring 2009, where he had been Editor in the 1990's. He is also Show Business Historian for Hollywood Today, contributor to The Advertising Show on radio and served as Director of Programming for The American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival. He has been Associate Editor of Forbes Magazine, entertainment editor in Miami, columnist and critic in Detroit and an editor at the L. A. Herald Examiner. He has written for many publications and is author of the critically acclaimed books "OUTFOXED: The Inside Story of America's Fourth Television Network," and international bestseller "The Legend of Bruce Lee." Block regularly contributes to KPCC-FM's "Call Sheet," John Rabe’s “Off Ramp” and KNBC, The Today Show, CNBC, NPR, CBS News, KNX, NBC News, O’Reilly on Fox, CNN and elsewhere.
Bob Boden
SVP, Programming, Production and Development, Fox Reality Channel
Bob Boden’s career as a television management and production executive in multiple areas of programming spans over two decades. Since launching Fox Reality Channel in May 2005, Boden has spearheaded the network’s development and programming and served as executive producer of original series including "Househusbands of Hollywood," “Solitary,” “American Idol Extra,” “The Academy,” "Seducing Cindy," and the network’s annual “Fox Reality Channel Really Awards,” the only award show of its kind. Prior to joining Fox Reality Channel, Boden served as Senior Vice President, Programming, GSN (Game Show Network), where he was the executive in charge of over 500 hours of programming, including game shows, reality programs, video games, and relationship shows. The GSN documentary, “Big Bucks: The Press Your Luck Scandal,” one of Boden’s original concepts, stands as the network’s highest-rated telecast.
SVP, Programming, Production and Development, Fox Reality Channel
Bob Boden’s career as a television management and production executive in multiple areas of programming spans over two decades. Since launching Fox Reality Channel in May 2005, Boden has spearheaded the network’s development and programming and served as executive producer of original series including "Househusbands of Hollywood," “Solitary,” “American Idol Extra,” “The Academy,” "Seducing Cindy," and the network’s annual “Fox Reality Channel Really Awards,” the only award show of its kind. Prior to joining Fox Reality Channel, Boden served as Senior Vice President, Programming, GSN (Game Show Network), where he was the executive in charge of over 500 hours of programming, including game shows, reality programs, video games, and relationship shows. The GSN documentary, “Big Bucks: The Press Your Luck Scandal,” one of Boden’s original concepts, stands as the network’s highest-rated telecast.
Alan Braun
Agent, Creative Artists Agency (CAA)
Alan Braun is a television agent at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), an entertainment and sports agency based in Los Angeles with offices in Nashville, New York City, London, and Beijing. Mr. Braun works in the Los Angeles office and represents many of the world’s leading alternative production companies, including Authentic Entertainment, Half Yard Productions, Intuitive Entertainment, Katalyst Media, Morningstar Entertainment, North South Productions, Pie Town Productions, Thumbs Up Productions and Waddell Media. Additionally, he represents television writers and producers including Tom Devanney (Family Guy), Allison Silverman (The Colbert Report), Jeff Vlaming (Fringe) and Jose Arroyo (Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien). Alan Braun began his career at ICM in the agent trainee program and was a partner in the Kaplan Stahler Braun agency. In 2003, he was named one of The Hollywood Reporter’s “Next Generation Top 35” under age 35. He joined CAA in 2009.
Agent, Creative Artists Agency (CAA)
Alan Braun is a television agent at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), an entertainment and sports agency based in Los Angeles with offices in Nashville, New York City, London, and Beijing. Mr. Braun works in the Los Angeles office and represents many of the world’s leading alternative production companies, including Authentic Entertainment, Half Yard Productions, Intuitive Entertainment, Katalyst Media, Morningstar Entertainment, North South Productions, Pie Town Productions, Thumbs Up Productions and Waddell Media. Additionally, he represents television writers and producers including Tom Devanney (Family Guy), Allison Silverman (The Colbert Report), Jeff Vlaming (Fringe) and Jose Arroyo (Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien). Alan Braun began his career at ICM in the agent trainee program and was a partner in the Kaplan Stahler Braun agency. In 2003, he was named one of The Hollywood Reporter’s “Next Generation Top 35” under age 35. He joined CAA in 2009.
Elizabeth Jane Browde
Senior Director, Content & Partnerships, Travel Channel Media
Elizabeth is currently the Senior Director of Content & Partnerships for Travel Channel Media. In this position, Elizabeth is responsible for developing and launching new prime time programming as well as finding and fostering new talent. During her tenure the network has seen 14 consecutive months of growth and the highest prime time demo ratings since 2003 with hits like Man v Food and Samantha Brown. Elizabeth served as Director of Development at TLC where she launched series including "Take Home Chef", "Tuckerville", "My First Home", "Model Life", Little People Big World, "Untold Stories of the ER", "Little People Big World" “Property Ladder”, and executive produced the long running "What Not to Wear". Prior to joining Discovery Networks, she headed up her own production company where she created original series and was the executive producer for 100s of hours of programming including, A&E's "Biography", Lifetime's "Intimate Portrait", Bravo’s “Profiles”, Court TV’s “Crime Diaries”, "The Daisy Fuentes Talk Show", Discovery's "New Detectives" and dozens of music and variety specials. Elizabeth began her career in news on air for Hard Copy and served as Matt Lauer’s producer at NBC.
Senior Director, Content & Partnerships, Travel Channel Media
Elizabeth is currently the Senior Director of Content & Partnerships for Travel Channel Media. In this position, Elizabeth is responsible for developing and launching new prime time programming as well as finding and fostering new talent. During her tenure the network has seen 14 consecutive months of growth and the highest prime time demo ratings since 2003 with hits like Man v Food and Samantha Brown. Elizabeth served as Director of Development at TLC where she launched series including "Take Home Chef", "Tuckerville", "My First Home", "Model Life", Little People Big World, "Untold Stories of the ER", "Little People Big World" “Property Ladder”, and executive produced the long running "What Not to Wear". Prior to joining Discovery Networks, she headed up her own production company where she created original series and was the executive producer for 100s of hours of programming including, A&E's "Biography", Lifetime's "Intimate Portrait", Bravo’s “Profiles”, Court TV’s “Crime Diaries”, "The Daisy Fuentes Talk Show", Discovery's "New Detectives" and dozens of music and variety specials. Elizabeth began her career in news on air for Hard Copy and served as Matt Lauer’s producer at NBC.
Bud Brutsman
CEO and Founder, Brentwood Communications International, Inc. (BCII)
Bud Brutsman is the CEO and founder of Brentwood Communications International, Inc. (BCII). What started in 1997 as an international entertainment company has grown to a lucrative corporation, producing over 700 hours of programming in its twelve-year history. Generating a string of hit prime-time cable series including Rides and Overhaulin' (TLC), Payback, FORZA Motorsports Showdown, Livin' the Low Life, Hot Import Nights and Hot Rod TV (SPEED), Living with Ed on (HGTV/Planet Green) Get Out Way Out (HGTV) and Celebrity Rides (DIY).
CEO and Founder, Brentwood Communications International, Inc. (BCII)
Bud Brutsman is the CEO and founder of Brentwood Communications International, Inc. (BCII). What started in 1997 as an international entertainment company has grown to a lucrative corporation, producing over 700 hours of programming in its twelve-year history. Generating a string of hit prime-time cable series including Rides and Overhaulin' (TLC), Payback, FORZA Motorsports Showdown, Livin' the Low Life, Hot Import Nights and Hot Rod TV (SPEED), Living with Ed on (HGTV/Planet Green) Get Out Way Out (HGTV) and Celebrity Rides (DIY).
Paul Buccieri
President and Chief Executive Officer, ITV Studios, Inc.
Paul Buccieri is President and CEO of ITV Studios (formerly known as Granada America), the U.S.-based production entity of ITV plc, one of Europe's largest producers and broadcasters of quality television programs. He heads up a team of talented producers in the US, on both the West and East coasts, in developing the company’s US business interests through the creation of new series and formats. He is also responsible for the exploitation of other ITV formats created in the company’s production centres in the UK, Germany and Australia. Buccieri has a seat on the board of Jaffe Braunstein Entertainment, ITV’s partner in the scripted business in US. He is based in ITV’s Los Angeles headquarters. Previously, as President of Programming, Production & Development at Twentieth Television, he oversaw 16 series and 25 specials, including America’s Most Wanted, Divorce Court, the World Music Awards, Decision House, NFL Network Total Access and others.
President and Chief Executive Officer, ITV Studios, Inc.
Paul Buccieri is President and CEO of ITV Studios (formerly known as Granada America), the U.S.-based production entity of ITV plc, one of Europe's largest producers and broadcasters of quality television programs. He heads up a team of talented producers in the US, on both the West and East coasts, in developing the company’s US business interests through the creation of new series and formats. He is also responsible for the exploitation of other ITV formats created in the company’s production centres in the UK, Germany and Australia. Buccieri has a seat on the board of Jaffe Braunstein Entertainment, ITV’s partner in the scripted business in US. He is based in ITV’s Los Angeles headquarters. Previously, as President of Programming, Production & Development at Twentieth Television, he oversaw 16 series and 25 specials, including America’s Most Wanted, Divorce Court, the World Music Awards, Decision House, NFL Network Total Access and others.
Katie Ackerman Buchanan
Vice President, Programming & Acquisitions, The Style Network
Katie Ackerman Buchanan is Vice President, Programming and Acquisitions for The Style Network. Katie is responsible for the programming and strategy for both the linear network and VOD platform. Katie manages the programming budget and oversees all acquisitions and co-productions for the network. She has brokered several high-profile acquisition deals including “Supernanny”, “Extreme Makeover,” and “The Biggest Loser”. Recently, Katie has managed several documentary deals including the P. Diddy “If I Were King” film, the BBC documentary “Too Fat for 15”, and the indie hit “Eleven Minutes”.
Vice President, Programming & Acquisitions, The Style Network
Katie Ackerman Buchanan is Vice President, Programming and Acquisitions for The Style Network. Katie is responsible for the programming and strategy for both the linear network and VOD platform. Katie manages the programming budget and oversees all acquisitions and co-productions for the network. She has brokered several high-profile acquisition deals including “Supernanny”, “Extreme Makeover,” and “The Biggest Loser”. Recently, Katie has managed several documentary deals including the P. Diddy “If I Were King” film, the BBC documentary “Too Fat for 15”, and the indie hit “Eleven Minutes”.
Steve Burns
Executive Vice President of Content, National Geographic Channel (NGC)
Steve Burns is the Executive Vice President of Content for the National Geographic Channel (NGC). Burns oversees all aspects of the network’s programming strategy and content, including development, production, acquisitions and scheduling. His career spans more than 30 years in media, including senior executive positions at Discovery Communications and a decade with National Geographic Television. Prior to joining NGC, Burns served as Executive Vice President and Chief Science Editor at Discovery Networks; responsible for Discovery Channel Quest, a series of expedition specials. Immediately beforehand, as Executive Vice President of Production, he was responsible for nearly 2,000 hours of programming per year across the 10 U.S. Discovery Networks, and had creative and editorial responsibility for long-running entertainment specials and series, animal programming and science productions.
Executive Vice President of Content, National Geographic Channel (NGC)
Steve Burns is the Executive Vice President of Content for the National Geographic Channel (NGC). Burns oversees all aspects of the network’s programming strategy and content, including development, production, acquisitions and scheduling. His career spans more than 30 years in media, including senior executive positions at Discovery Communications and a decade with National Geographic Television. Prior to joining NGC, Burns served as Executive Vice President and Chief Science Editor at Discovery Networks; responsible for Discovery Channel Quest, a series of expedition specials. Immediately beforehand, as Executive Vice President of Production, he was responsible for nearly 2,000 hours of programming per year across the 10 U.S. Discovery Networks, and had creative and editorial responsibility for long-running entertainment specials and series, animal programming and science productions.
William Campbell
President, Homefire Productions, Inc
William Campbell is an independent producer, videographer, photojournalist, and president of Homefire Productions, Inc., based in Livingston, MT.Bill, a former Time Magazine photographer, has developed, shot and produced TV segments for NBC, ABC Nightline, CNN, Discovery, the National Geographic Channel and PBS. In the last six years he has shot and produced four one-hour documentaries: Season of the Grizzly, and Sole Survivors: The Yellowstone Bison with Braverman Productions for Animal Planet. Wolves in Paradise with ITVS , a documentary that explores the fate of ranchers and wolves outside Yellowstone Park, received a 2008 Cine Golden Eagle award and aired on national PBS in December 2008. “On Thin Ice” a NOW on PBS special with host David Brancaccio and mountain climber Conrad Anker covers the impact of climate change from Montana’s Glacier National Park to India’s Gangotri glacier, the source of the Ganges. It was broadcast on national PBS in April 2009. Bill is currently a contributing producer for NOW on PBS, the weekly national current affairs show. His most recent show, on innovative heath care in Rwanda, was broadcast on September 11, 2009.
President, Homefire Productions, Inc
William Campbell is an independent producer, videographer, photojournalist, and president of Homefire Productions, Inc., based in Livingston, MT.Bill, a former Time Magazine photographer, has developed, shot and produced TV segments for NBC, ABC Nightline, CNN, Discovery, the National Geographic Channel and PBS. In the last six years he has shot and produced four one-hour documentaries: Season of the Grizzly, and Sole Survivors: The Yellowstone Bison with Braverman Productions for Animal Planet. Wolves in Paradise with ITVS , a documentary that explores the fate of ranchers and wolves outside Yellowstone Park, received a 2008 Cine Golden Eagle award and aired on national PBS in December 2008. “On Thin Ice” a NOW on PBS special with host David Brancaccio and mountain climber Conrad Anker covers the impact of climate change from Montana’s Glacier National Park to India’s Gangotri glacier, the source of the Ganges. It was broadcast on national PBS in April 2009. Bill is currently a contributing producer for NOW on PBS, the weekly national current affairs show. His most recent show, on innovative heath care in Rwanda, was broadcast on September 11, 2009.
Kimberly Carver
Vice President, Innovative Artists Agency
Kimberly Carver was named Vice President at Innovative Artists Agency in 2008. Ms. Carver represents producers, writers and talent in both alternative and scripted television. Her clients are currently producing on Emmy Award shows including The Amazing Race, Penn & Teller's Bullshit, and Project Runway. She heads the alternative department and is involved in packaging television series for the cable, broadcast and syndication markets. Ms. Carver most recently brokered a talk show for Valerie Bertinelli for syndication. Prior to joining Innovative, she worked at CAA in the television and new media division as an agent trainee.
Vice President, Innovative Artists Agency
Kimberly Carver was named Vice President at Innovative Artists Agency in 2008. Ms. Carver represents producers, writers and talent in both alternative and scripted television. Her clients are currently producing on Emmy Award shows including The Amazing Race, Penn & Teller's Bullshit, and Project Runway. She heads the alternative department and is involved in packaging television series for the cable, broadcast and syndication markets. Ms. Carver most recently brokered a talk show for Valerie Bertinelli for syndication. Prior to joining Innovative, she worked at CAA in the television and new media division as an agent trainee.
Adam Chapnick
CEO, Distribber.com
Adam Chapnick is CEO of Distribber.com, a model-busting service that gets independent filmmakers’ work on digital sales platforms like iTunes, without taking any percentage of revenue. Adam is a new-model film distribution and marketing specialist known for innovative grassroots, online and digital distribution strategies. He has overseen the theatrical, home video and grassroots distribution of dozens of independent films, from political documentaries to romantic comedies. He co-founded Cinema Libre Distribution, where, during his tenure as President, he distributed over 20 independent films, including Robert Greenwald's Uncovered: The War On Iraq and Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism, Franny Armstrong's McLibel and Danny Schechter's WMD: Weapons of Mass Deception. Since 2005, Adam’s company, DocWorkers, has helped filmmakers keep their rights and multiply their profits by employing outside-the-box DIY distribution techniques. Adam also hit a home run to win his little league’s championship game in 1982.
CEO, Distribber.com
Adam Chapnick is CEO of Distribber.com, a model-busting service that gets independent filmmakers’ work on digital sales platforms like iTunes, without taking any percentage of revenue. Adam is a new-model film distribution and marketing specialist known for innovative grassroots, online and digital distribution strategies. He has overseen the theatrical, home video and grassroots distribution of dozens of independent films, from political documentaries to romantic comedies. He co-founded Cinema Libre Distribution, where, during his tenure as President, he distributed over 20 independent films, including Robert Greenwald's Uncovered: The War On Iraq and Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism, Franny Armstrong's McLibel and Danny Schechter's WMD: Weapons of Mass Deception. Since 2005, Adam’s company, DocWorkers, has helped filmmakers keep their rights and multiply their profits by employing outside-the-box DIY distribution techniques. Adam also hit a home run to win his little league’s championship game in 1982.
Steve Cheskin
Executive Vice President of Programming, The Learning Channel
Steve Cheskin recently joined The Learning Channel as Executive Vice President of programming where he oversees program development, production, scheduling, acquisitions, packaging and operations for the network. Previously, he was at WE tv were he was instrumental in the ratings and delivery growth the network experienced and has aggressively expanded the network’s original programming slate. Series developed under his guidance have included “Secret Lives of Women,”“High School Confidential,” “Platinum Weddings” and “John Edward Cross Country.” Prior to WE tv, Steve enjoyed an 18-year career at Discovery Communications, Inc. Under his leadership, Travel Channel moved to a vertical scheduling strategy and launched a number of hit series, including “The World Poker Tour” which ignited TV’s poker craze. During his tenure, the network’s prime household delivery more than tripled and at the time of his departure 23 of the top 27 telecasts in Travel Channel’s history had been under his direction.
Executive Vice President of Programming, The Learning Channel
Steve Cheskin recently joined The Learning Channel as Executive Vice President of programming where he oversees program development, production, scheduling, acquisitions, packaging and operations for the network. Previously, he was at WE tv were he was instrumental in the ratings and delivery growth the network experienced and has aggressively expanded the network’s original programming slate. Series developed under his guidance have included “Secret Lives of Women,”“High School Confidential,” “Platinum Weddings” and “John Edward Cross Country.” Prior to WE tv, Steve enjoyed an 18-year career at Discovery Communications, Inc. Under his leadership, Travel Channel moved to a vertical scheduling strategy and launched a number of hit series, including “The World Poker Tour” which ignited TV’s poker craze. During his tenure, the network’s prime household delivery more than tripled and at the time of his departure 23 of the top 27 telecasts in Travel Channel’s history had been under his direction.
Merah Chung
Vice President, Development and New Series, The Style Network
As Vice President, Development and New Series, Merah Chung leads development and production for programs on the network and forges key relationships within the entertainment industry on behalf of Style. Chung led the development of “The Dish,” “Giuliana & Bill,” “Style Her Famous,” “Running in Heels,” “Peter Perfect,” and “Fat Free Fiancés.” Chung began her career at E! Entertainment and served as part of the core team that launched the Style Network, where she climbed the ranks to Executive Producer. She worked on a variety of projects as a freelance producer before returning to Style.
Vice President, Development and New Series, The Style Network
As Vice President, Development and New Series, Merah Chung leads development and production for programs on the network and forges key relationships within the entertainment industry on behalf of Style. Chung led the development of “The Dish,” “Giuliana & Bill,” “Style Her Famous,” “Running in Heels,” “Peter Perfect,” and “Fat Free Fiancés.” Chung began her career at E! Entertainment and served as part of the core team that launched the Style Network, where she climbed the ranks to Executive Producer. She worked on a variety of projects as a freelance producer before returning to Style.
Chris Coelen
CEO of RDF Media USA and Director of RDF Media Group, North America
In his role, Chris Coelen oversees five companies operating out of offices in New York and Los Angeles: RDF USA (non-scripted programming); Pangea Studios (scripted programming); Pangea Management Group (talent management); Full Circle Entertainment (branded entertainment); and RDF Digital USA (online & mobile). Recently, RDF Media USA’s companies have sold and/or produced over 30 series such as Don’t Forget the Lyrics (Fox), Wife Swap (ABC), Secret Millionaire (Fox), Hitched or Ditched (CW), The Royal Family (special edition of 20/20 for ABC which was the highest rated 20/20 inthe last five years) and more. Previously, Coelen was a partner at United Talent Agency. Coelen's department helped launch and/or package more than 60 scripted and non-scripted series into network, cable and syndication deals including Wife Swap, Supernanny, Surreal Life and Average Joe. Jessica Simpson, Ryan Seacrest, Jo Frost and Carmen Electra were among his talent clients.
CEO of RDF Media USA and Director of RDF Media Group, North America
In his role, Chris Coelen oversees five companies operating out of offices in New York and Los Angeles: RDF USA (non-scripted programming); Pangea Studios (scripted programming); Pangea Management Group (talent management); Full Circle Entertainment (branded entertainment); and RDF Digital USA (online & mobile). Recently, RDF Media USA’s companies have sold and/or produced over 30 series such as Don’t Forget the Lyrics (Fox), Wife Swap (ABC), Secret Millionaire (Fox), Hitched or Ditched (CW), The Royal Family (special edition of 20/20 for ABC which was the highest rated 20/20 inthe last five years) and more. Previously, Coelen was a partner at United Talent Agency. Coelen's department helped launch and/or package more than 60 scripted and non-scripted series into network, cable and syndication deals including Wife Swap, Supernanny, Surreal Life and Average Joe. Jessica Simpson, Ryan Seacrest, Jo Frost and Carmen Electra were among his talent clients.
Jason Cornwell
Owner, Cornwell Casting
Jason Cornwell is one of the most sought after names in the Reality Television casting arena. Having begun his reality career in 1997 as a cast member on MTV's The Real World: Boston, he quickly made the transition to working behind the scenes the following year as the Associate Casting Director for The Real World: Hawaii. Over the next nine years, Jason helped networks and production companies successfully cast over 30 shows. From the acclaimed FX race-swap series Black, White, to USA Networks Nashville Star, and most recently, on TV Land’s First Love, Second Chance and VH-1’s Tough Love, Jason has had the opportunity to supervise casting teams in almost every genre of reality television. With the culmination of CORNWELL CASTING, Casting Producers with over 100 shows on their resumes have pooled their talent and resources to create one of the industry's only full-service reality casting companies.
Owner, Cornwell Casting
Jason Cornwell is one of the most sought after names in the Reality Television casting arena. Having begun his reality career in 1997 as a cast member on MTV's The Real World: Boston, he quickly made the transition to working behind the scenes the following year as the Associate Casting Director for The Real World: Hawaii. Over the next nine years, Jason helped networks and production companies successfully cast over 30 shows. From the acclaimed FX race-swap series Black, White, to USA Networks Nashville Star, and most recently, on TV Land’s First Love, Second Chance and VH-1’s Tough Love, Jason has had the opportunity to supervise casting teams in almost every genre of reality television. With the culmination of CORNWELL CASTING, Casting Producers with over 100 shows on their resumes have pooled their talent and resources to create one of the industry's only full-service reality casting companies.
R.J. Cutler
Filmmmaker & President, Actual Reality Pictures
R.J. Cutler is the acclaimed producer of the documentaries The War Room, A Perfect Candidate and American High. He has won an Emmy Award, a Peabody Award, a GLAAD Award and has been nominated for an Academy Award and two additional Emmys, among others. Most recently, Cutler directed and produced the documentary feature The September Issue, which premiered in competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and won the Grand Jury Prize for Outstanding Cinematography. He also executive produced the acclaimed program 30 Days, featuring Morgan Spurlock, the international hit Flip That House on TLC and the provocative six-hour FX series Black.White, the premiere of which became the most-watched non-fiction program in U.S. cable television history. Cutler has also executive produced Freshman Diaries (Showtime), The Residents (TLC), American Candidate (Showtime), Military Diaries (VH-1), and Bound for Glory (ESPN), among others.
Filmmmaker & President, Actual Reality Pictures
R.J. Cutler is the acclaimed producer of the documentaries The War Room, A Perfect Candidate and American High. He has won an Emmy Award, a Peabody Award, a GLAAD Award and has been nominated for an Academy Award and two additional Emmys, among others. Most recently, Cutler directed and produced the documentary feature The September Issue, which premiered in competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and won the Grand Jury Prize for Outstanding Cinematography. He also executive produced the acclaimed program 30 Days, featuring Morgan Spurlock, the international hit Flip That House on TLC and the provocative six-hour FX series Black.White, the premiere of which became the most-watched non-fiction program in U.S. cable television history. Cutler has also executive produced Freshman Diaries (Showtime), The Residents (TLC), American Candidate (Showtime), Military Diaries (VH-1), and Bound for Glory (ESPN), among others.
Nancy Daniels
Senior Vice President of Production and Development, TLC
Nancy Daniels is TLC’s Senior Vice President of Production and Development. Based in Los Angeles, Daniels oversees all execution for the channel’s programming. Previously, Daniels served as Senior Vice President of Development and Production for Discovery Studios—West Coast since July 2007. While at Discovery Studios, Daniels managed development and production for all programming out of the LA branch, and supervised key programs for networks such as TLC, Planet Green, Discovery Health Channel, and Science Channel. Prior to Discovery Studios, Daniels was at CBS where she served as Vice President of Alternative Series Development since 2003. In this role, she worked on CBS’s key reality properties including Survivor, multiple Emmy Award winner The Amazing Race, Big Brother, Rock Star and others. Before CBS, Daniels had an extensive career as a producer in the independent television community and worked at high-profile independent production companies including Allison Grodner Productions, Arnold Shapiro Productions, Pie Town Productions, and Film Garden Entertainment. In these roles, she produced series for CBS, MTV, TLC, HGTV, Women’s Entertainment (WE), and others.
Senior Vice President of Production and Development, TLC
Nancy Daniels is TLC’s Senior Vice President of Production and Development. Based in Los Angeles, Daniels oversees all execution for the channel’s programming. Previously, Daniels served as Senior Vice President of Development and Production for Discovery Studios—West Coast since July 2007. While at Discovery Studios, Daniels managed development and production for all programming out of the LA branch, and supervised key programs for networks such as TLC, Planet Green, Discovery Health Channel, and Science Channel. Prior to Discovery Studios, Daniels was at CBS where she served as Vice President of Alternative Series Development since 2003. In this role, she worked on CBS’s key reality properties including Survivor, multiple Emmy Award winner The Amazing Race, Big Brother, Rock Star and others. Before CBS, Daniels had an extensive career as a producer in the independent television community and worked at high-profile independent production companies including Allison Grodner Productions, Arnold Shapiro Productions, Pie Town Productions, and Film Garden Entertainment. In these roles, she produced series for CBS, MTV, TLC, HGTV, Women’s Entertainment (WE), and others.
Christi Deardorff
Senior Vice President, US Media/Entertainment at Hiscox, Inc.
Christi Deardorff is Senior Vice President of US Media/Entertainment at Hiscox, Inc. Ms. Deardorff has nearly 15 years of experience in media and entertainment underwriting and another 15 years experience in commerical property and casualty underwriting. From 1996 until 2008, she worked for Media/Professional Insurance, where she was a Vice President and Underwriting Manager of their Northeast Region. In 2002, she helped create the Entertainment Underwriting Unit which included 6 underwriters and a $17M book of business. She was also an underwriter of media, tech, and MPL E & O accounts. Prior to Media/Pro, Ms. Deardorff was a commercial lines underwriter and underwriting manager for several large national insurance companies in Dallas, TX and Kansas City, MO.
Senior Vice President, US Media/Entertainment at Hiscox, Inc.
Christi Deardorff is Senior Vice President of US Media/Entertainment at Hiscox, Inc. Ms. Deardorff has nearly 15 years of experience in media and entertainment underwriting and another 15 years experience in commerical property and casualty underwriting. From 1996 until 2008, she worked for Media/Professional Insurance, where she was a Vice President and Underwriting Manager of their Northeast Region. In 2002, she helped create the Entertainment Underwriting Unit which included 6 underwriters and a $17M book of business. She was also an underwriter of media, tech, and MPL E & O accounts. Prior to Media/Pro, Ms. Deardorff was a commercial lines underwriter and underwriting manager for several large national insurance companies in Dallas, TX and Kansas City, MO.
Nicole DeFusco
Vice President of Original Programming & Development, The Sundance Channel
Nicole DeFusco is the Vice President of Original Programming & Development for Sundance Channel where she oversees the entire development slate. Prior to joining Sundance Channel, she was the Director of Development & Original Series for the FUSE Network where she oversaw the full slate of production and development projects in all their stages. While at the Oxygen Network, she developed both unscripted and scripted series and movies for the independent cable network. Nicole has produced long form non-fiction programming for ABC, PBS, NBC and CNBC as well as developed several independent features. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California’s film and journalism schools.
Vice President of Original Programming & Development, The Sundance Channel
Nicole DeFusco is the Vice President of Original Programming & Development for Sundance Channel where she oversees the entire development slate. Prior to joining Sundance Channel, she was the Director of Development & Original Series for the FUSE Network where she oversaw the full slate of production and development projects in all their stages. While at the Oxygen Network, she developed both unscripted and scripted series and movies for the independent cable network. Nicole has produced long form non-fiction programming for ABC, PBS, NBC and CNBC as well as developed several independent features. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California’s film and journalism schools.
Arunima Dhar
Producer, ESPN Films
A veteran of ESPN’s documentary scene for the past eight years, ArunimaDhar was a member of the Sports Emmy award-winning team that produced ESPN Classic's signature series, SportsCentury. For the SportsEmmy-nominated series ESPN 25: The Headlines, she covered some of the biggest stories in sports from 1979-2004 including sprinter BenJohnson's fall from Olympic glory, college basketball superstar LenBias' tragic death from a cocaine overdose, and NBA idol Kobe Bryant's sexual assault case. As a producer with ESPN Films, she is a contributor in developing potential, future documentaries and a part of the team launching 30 for 30, an unprecedented series which will feature 30 of today's finest storytellers who will chronicle 30 remarkable stories detailing issues and events that have transformedt he sports landscape in the last 30 years.
Producer, ESPN Films
A veteran of ESPN’s documentary scene for the past eight years, ArunimaDhar was a member of the Sports Emmy award-winning team that produced ESPN Classic's signature series, SportsCentury. For the SportsEmmy-nominated series ESPN 25: The Headlines, she covered some of the biggest stories in sports from 1979-2004 including sprinter BenJohnson's fall from Olympic glory, college basketball superstar LenBias' tragic death from a cocaine overdose, and NBA idol Kobe Bryant's sexual assault case. As a producer with ESPN Films, she is a contributor in developing potential, future documentaries and a part of the team launching 30 for 30, an unprecedented series which will feature 30 of today's finest storytellers who will chronicle 30 remarkable stories detailing issues and events that have transformedt he sports landscape in the last 30 years.
Kirby Dick
Documentary Director
Kirby Dick is an Academy Award nominated director. His most recent film, OUTRAGE (Magnolia Pictures), is a searing indictment of the hypocrisy of powerful closeted politicians. In 2006 he directed THIS FILM IS NOT YET RATED (IFC Films), which has become a model for fair use in documentaries. Dick’s prior film, TWIST OF FAITH (HBO), the powerful story of a man confronting the trauma of his past sexual abuse by a Catholic priest, received a 2004 Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature. Other films include DERRIDA and the internationally acclaimed SICK: THE LIFE & DEATH OF BOB FLANAGAN, SUPERMASOCHIST, which won the Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and the Grand Prize at the Los Angeles Film Festival.
Documentary Director
Kirby Dick is an Academy Award nominated director. His most recent film, OUTRAGE (Magnolia Pictures), is a searing indictment of the hypocrisy of powerful closeted politicians. In 2006 he directed THIS FILM IS NOT YET RATED (IFC Films), which has become a model for fair use in documentaries. Dick’s prior film, TWIST OF FAITH (HBO), the powerful story of a man confronting the trauma of his past sexual abuse by a Catholic priest, received a 2004 Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature. Other films include DERRIDA and the internationally acclaimed SICK: THE LIFE & DEATH OF BOB FLANAGAN, SUPERMASOCHIST, which won the Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and the Grand Prize at the Los Angeles Film Festival.
Jayson Dinsmore
Senior Vice President, Alternative Development, NBC Entertainment
Jayson Dinsmore is Senior Vice President of Alternative Development at NBC Entertainment. Dinsmore oversees a team of executives and spearheads the Alternative Programming, Development and Specials department. He recently added Executive Producer to his credits serving as the showrunner on “I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here” for NBC and ITV Studios. He previously served as Vice President, Alternative Programming & Development, NBC Entertainment, a role he began in August 2004. He was responsible for developing and managing alternative series and specials and was the driving force in the development of the hit game show "Deal or No Deal," as well as the quizzer staple "1 vs. 100." Dinsmore’s other credits include Emmy Award-nominated "Last Comic Standing," "Identity,” “The Singing Bee,” "Treasure Hunters," “Celebrity Circus”, “My Dad is Better than Your Dad” and “Momma’s Boys.” He began his professional career as a production assistant on MTV's "Singled Out." Dinsmore is also a second year assistant visiting professor at UCLA and was listed in The Hollywood Reporter’s “Next Generation” for being one of Hollywood’s top 35 executives under thirty-five years of age in 2007.
Senior Vice President, Alternative Development, NBC Entertainment
Jayson Dinsmore is Senior Vice President of Alternative Development at NBC Entertainment. Dinsmore oversees a team of executives and spearheads the Alternative Programming, Development and Specials department. He recently added Executive Producer to his credits serving as the showrunner on “I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here” for NBC and ITV Studios. He previously served as Vice President, Alternative Programming & Development, NBC Entertainment, a role he began in August 2004. He was responsible for developing and managing alternative series and specials and was the driving force in the development of the hit game show "Deal or No Deal," as well as the quizzer staple "1 vs. 100." Dinsmore’s other credits include Emmy Award-nominated "Last Comic Standing," "Identity,” “The Singing Bee,” "Treasure Hunters," “Celebrity Circus”, “My Dad is Better than Your Dad” and “Momma’s Boys.” He began his professional career as a production assistant on MTV's "Singled Out." Dinsmore is also a second year assistant visiting professor at UCLA and was listed in The Hollywood Reporter’s “Next Generation” for being one of Hollywood’s top 35 executives under thirty-five years of age in 2007.
DMA - Donna Michelle Anderson
Director, Show Starter
For over a decade, DMA (Donna Michelle Anderson) has been a writer and producer of dozens of highly-rated non-fiction television programs for networks such as CBS, UPN, Fox, BET, TLC and more. She is the director of Show Starter reality instructional services and the author of The Show Starter Reality TV Made Simple System: Ten Steps to Crafting and Pitching a Sellable Reality Show. DMA has taught at universities nationwide and is the creator of “Show Starter™ Scheduling & Budgeting Plus,” an online production scheduling, budgeting and cash flow software, named one of the “Top 40 Indie Film Friendly Businesses”of 2007 by Movie Maker magazine.
Director, Show Starter
For over a decade, DMA (Donna Michelle Anderson) has been a writer and producer of dozens of highly-rated non-fiction television programs for networks such as CBS, UPN, Fox, BET, TLC and more. She is the director of Show Starter reality instructional services and the author of The Show Starter Reality TV Made Simple System: Ten Steps to Crafting and Pitching a Sellable Reality Show. DMA has taught at universities nationwide and is the creator of “Show Starter™ Scheduling & Budgeting Plus,” an online production scheduling, budgeting and cash flow software, named one of the “Top 40 Indie Film Friendly Businesses”of 2007 by Movie Maker magazine.
Michael Donaldson
Entertainment Attorney
Michael C. Donaldson is an entertainment attorney who has been fighting for independent filmmakers for over thirty years. As President of the International Documentary Association, he negotiated with the cable networks to prevent the wholesale migration of credits from the screen to the internet by organizing and leading the Documentary Credit Coalition. He served on the Advisory Committee for the Documentary Filmmakers Statement of Best Practices in Fair Use and serves on the Advisory Committee of the Stanford Fair Use Project. He negotiated with Media Professional Insurance Company, Chubb Insurance Company, and other companies to offer fair use riders on the E&O insurance policies which allowed many films to be made under the fair use doctrine. He lectures frequently at law schools and film schools in Europe and across the United States. In addition to representing writers, producers, and directors, he serves as General Counsel to Film Independent (home of the Independent Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival) and the Writers Guild Foundation.
Entertainment Attorney
Michael C. Donaldson is an entertainment attorney who has been fighting for independent filmmakers for over thirty years. As President of the International Documentary Association, he negotiated with the cable networks to prevent the wholesale migration of credits from the screen to the internet by organizing and leading the Documentary Credit Coalition. He served on the Advisory Committee for the Documentary Filmmakers Statement of Best Practices in Fair Use and serves on the Advisory Committee of the Stanford Fair Use Project. He negotiated with Media Professional Insurance Company, Chubb Insurance Company, and other companies to offer fair use riders on the E&O insurance policies which allowed many films to be made under the fair use doctrine. He lectures frequently at law schools and film schools in Europe and across the United States. In addition to representing writers, producers, and directors, he serves as General Counsel to Film Independent (home of the Independent Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival) and the Writers Guild Foundation.
Mike Duffy
Senior Vice President of Development, RDF USA
Mike Duffy is Senior Vice President of Development and Current for RDF USA. In his position, Duffy is charged with creating original unscripted series as well as developing unscripted international formats for domestic distribution. Additionally, he oversees current RDF shows on a slate that includes Wife Swap (ABC), Don’t Forget the Lyrics (Fox), and Secret Millionaire (Fox). Since joining RDF in 2007, Duff has served as co-Executive Producer on Coolio’s Rules (Oxygen), Executive Producer on Hitched or Ditched (CW), Addicted to Beauty (Oxygen), and One Big Happy Family (TLC). Duffy began his career at ICM in the television packaging division before moving on to a production position on Bill Cosby’s Kids Say the Darndest Things. From there, he began producing game shows, including Let’s Make a Deal (NBC), Funny Money (GSN) and Whammy! The All New Press Your Luck (GSN).
Senior Vice President of Development, RDF USA
Mike Duffy is Senior Vice President of Development and Current for RDF USA. In his position, Duffy is charged with creating original unscripted series as well as developing unscripted international formats for domestic distribution. Additionally, he oversees current RDF shows on a slate that includes Wife Swap (ABC), Don’t Forget the Lyrics (Fox), and Secret Millionaire (Fox). Since joining RDF in 2007, Duff has served as co-Executive Producer on Coolio’s Rules (Oxygen), Executive Producer on Hitched or Ditched (CW), Addicted to Beauty (Oxygen), and One Big Happy Family (TLC). Duffy began his career at ICM in the television packaging division before moving on to a production position on Bill Cosby’s Kids Say the Darndest Things. From there, he began producing game shows, including Let’s Make a Deal (NBC), Funny Money (GSN) and Whammy! The All New Press Your Luck (GSN).
Michele H. Edelman
Vice President of Product Management and Marketing, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution
Michele Edelman is the Vice President of Product Management and Marketing for Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. In her role she oversees worldwide marketing, programming and operations efforts for Warner Bros.’ product over existing, new and emerging digital platforms, including pay-per-view, electronic sell-through, transactional video-on-demand, wireless and more. An industry executive with extensive marketing and sales experience, Ms. Edelman has created dynamic campaigns for some of the largest entertainment studios including Disney, ESPN, MTV Networks and Warner Bros. She began her career at Warner Bros. in the Pay-TV division located in New York. She then moved to Los Angeles in 1992 and held various sales and marketing positions with Disney, Request Television, ESPN Classic, (formerly Classic Sports Network) and The Box Music Network, a Viacom Network. For over two years, Ms. Edelman developed and acquired financing for a start-up cable network, Websitelevision - the first 24 hour cable network dedicated to the promotion and showcasing of Internet web sites. She returned to Warner Bros. to spearhead marketing efforts for the video on demand (VOD) area of Warner Home Video which, in 2006, was merged into Warner Bros. Digital Distribution group.
Vice President of Product Management and Marketing, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution
Michele Edelman is the Vice President of Product Management and Marketing for Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. In her role she oversees worldwide marketing, programming and operations efforts for Warner Bros.’ product over existing, new and emerging digital platforms, including pay-per-view, electronic sell-through, transactional video-on-demand, wireless and more. An industry executive with extensive marketing and sales experience, Ms. Edelman has created dynamic campaigns for some of the largest entertainment studios including Disney, ESPN, MTV Networks and Warner Bros. She began her career at Warner Bros. in the Pay-TV division located in New York. She then moved to Los Angeles in 1992 and held various sales and marketing positions with Disney, Request Television, ESPN Classic, (formerly Classic Sports Network) and The Box Music Network, a Viacom Network. For over two years, Ms. Edelman developed and acquired financing for a start-up cable network, Websitelevision - the first 24 hour cable network dedicated to the promotion and showcasing of Internet web sites. She returned to Warner Bros. to spearhead marketing efforts for the video on demand (VOD) area of Warner Home Video which, in 2006, was merged into Warner Bros. Digital Distribution group.
Marc Etkind
Vice President, Development, Animal Planet
Marc Etkind was named Vice President of Development for Animal Planet in November 2007. In this role along with vice president of development Charlie Foley, he oversees program development for the network and is responsible for the conceptualization and creation of series, stunts, specials as well as other programming initiatives for Animal Planet. He has been responsible for such signature series as UNTAMED & UNCUT and DOGS 101. Prior to coming to Animal Planet, Etkind served as senior director of historical programming at The History Channel. In this position, he developed and executive produced many of the network’s original series including, DOGFIGHTS, HUMAN WEAPON, TOUGHER IN ALASKA and LOST WORLDS. He oversaw numerous specials, including HIPPIES, THE LOST VOYAGE OF COLUMBUS and the Emmy Award-winning APE TO MAN. He also played an integral role on the network’s pilot development team. Before his time at The History Channel, Etkind was the president of Pinball Productions, his own Boston-based production company specializing in history and science programs. There, he helped produce over a hundred hours of programming for such networks as The Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and The History Channel.
Vice President, Development, Animal Planet
Marc Etkind was named Vice President of Development for Animal Planet in November 2007. In this role along with vice president of development Charlie Foley, he oversees program development for the network and is responsible for the conceptualization and creation of series, stunts, specials as well as other programming initiatives for Animal Planet. He has been responsible for such signature series as UNTAMED & UNCUT and DOGS 101. Prior to coming to Animal Planet, Etkind served as senior director of historical programming at The History Channel. In this position, he developed and executive produced many of the network’s original series including, DOGFIGHTS, HUMAN WEAPON, TOUGHER IN ALASKA and LOST WORLDS. He oversaw numerous specials, including HIPPIES, THE LOST VOYAGE OF COLUMBUS and the Emmy Award-winning APE TO MAN. He also played an integral role on the network’s pilot development team. Before his time at The History Channel, Etkind was the president of Pinball Productions, his own Boston-based production company specializing in history and science programs. There, he helped produce over a hundred hours of programming for such networks as The Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and The History Channel.
John Ferriter
Executive VP, Worldwide Head of Non-Scripted Television, William Morris Agency
John Ferriter is Executive Vice President, Worldwide Head of Non-Scripted Television and member of William Morris Agency’s Board of Directors. Among the many shows he has helped package are “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” for 20th, “The Swan,” “Guinness Primetime,” “Greed,” “Test The Nation,” “World’s Most Incredible Animal Rescues” for FBC, “Fear Factor” and “Weakest Link” for NBC, “The Mole” for ABC, “Project Runway” for Bravo, NBC’s “The Singing Bee”, and the recently announced “The Osbournes: Loud and Dangerous” at Fox. Ferriter represents such talent clients as Larry King, Ryan Seacrest, Tom Green, Donny &Marie Osmond, Mario Lopez, Tucker Carlson, The Osbourne Family, Nancy O’Dell, Piers Morgan, and Ant & Dec. Ferriter also represents such production companies as Ryan Seacrest Productions, The Gurin Company,The Magical Elves, Don Mischer Productions and more.
Executive VP, Worldwide Head of Non-Scripted Television, William Morris Agency
John Ferriter is Executive Vice President, Worldwide Head of Non-Scripted Television and member of William Morris Agency’s Board of Directors. Among the many shows he has helped package are “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” for 20th, “The Swan,” “Guinness Primetime,” “Greed,” “Test The Nation,” “World’s Most Incredible Animal Rescues” for FBC, “Fear Factor” and “Weakest Link” for NBC, “The Mole” for ABC, “Project Runway” for Bravo, NBC’s “The Singing Bee”, and the recently announced “The Osbournes: Loud and Dangerous” at Fox. Ferriter represents such talent clients as Larry King, Ryan Seacrest, Tom Green, Donny &Marie Osmond, Mario Lopez, Tucker Carlson, The Osbourne Family, Nancy O’Dell, Piers Morgan, and Ant & Dec. Ferriter also represents such production companies as Ryan Seacrest Productions, The Gurin Company,The Magical Elves, Don Mischer Productions and more.
Charlie Foley
VP of Development, Animal Planet & Discovery Kids Media
Animal Planet’s vice president of development Charlie Foley signed on for his third tour of duty at Discovery Communications in September 2007, when he was named to his current position. In this role, Foley oversees program development for the network and is responsible for the conceptualization and creation of series, stunts, specials and other programming initiatives. Since beginning this tenure, Foley has developed the hit series RIVER MONSTERS and WHALE WARS, which are the best-performing series in Animal Planet history. Foley has also developed several other signature series and specials for the network, including MONSTERS INSIDE ME, ANIMAL PRECINCT, JOCKEYS, and SUPERFETCH. Foley created, wrote and was one of Animal Planet’s executive producers on the most-watched special in Animal Planet history – the two-hour DRAGONS: A FANTASY MADE REAL in 2005, for which Foley was nominated for a Prime time Emmy as writer and executive producer in the outstanding animation category. He began his television career at the National Geographic Natural History Unit and has also spent years working in the independent production community developing and making shows for the Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, National Geographic, Disney, PBS, and the UK’s Channel 4.
VP of Development, Animal Planet & Discovery Kids Media
Animal Planet’s vice president of development Charlie Foley signed on for his third tour of duty at Discovery Communications in September 2007, when he was named to his current position. In this role, Foley oversees program development for the network and is responsible for the conceptualization and creation of series, stunts, specials and other programming initiatives. Since beginning this tenure, Foley has developed the hit series RIVER MONSTERS and WHALE WARS, which are the best-performing series in Animal Planet history. Foley has also developed several other signature series and specials for the network, including MONSTERS INSIDE ME, ANIMAL PRECINCT, JOCKEYS, and SUPERFETCH. Foley created, wrote and was one of Animal Planet’s executive producers on the most-watched special in Animal Planet history – the two-hour DRAGONS: A FANTASY MADE REAL in 2005, for which Foley was nominated for a Prime time Emmy as writer and executive producer in the outstanding animation category. He began his television career at the National Geographic Natural History Unit and has also spent years working in the independent production community developing and making shows for the Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, National Geographic, Disney, PBS, and the UK’s Channel 4.
Daniel Frankel
Daniel Frankel is a regular contributor to online entertainment news platforms including “The Wrap” and “Fancast.” He spent seven years working for “Variety,” covering entertainment businesses ranging from TV to film to home entertainment to licensing. He also served as a senior editor for Mediaweek covering broadcast television.
Daniel Frankel is a regular contributor to online entertainment news platforms including “The Wrap” and “Fancast.” He spent seven years working for “Variety,” covering entertainment businesses ranging from TV to film to home entertainment to licensing. He also served as a senior editor for Mediaweek covering broadcast television.
Sacha Gervasi
Filmmaker
Sacha Gervasi was born and raised in London. After attending King's College London, he worked for the Poet Laureate of England, Ted Hughes at The Arvon Writing Foundation, the charity Hughes started with his first wife, Sylvia Plath. Gervasi moved to Los Angeles in 1995 to attend the graduate screenwriting program at UCLA Film School, where he twice won the BAFTA/LA scholarship. Gervasi got his film writing start with The Big Tease, which he co-wrote with Craig Ferguson. He went on to pen The Terminal, made into a film in 2004 directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks. More recently, Gervasi directed the critically-acclaimed boxoffice hit Anvil! The Story of Anvil which The New Yorker's Anthony Lane called, "The most stirring release of the year...All that we can ask of a movie."
Filmmaker
Sacha Gervasi was born and raised in London. After attending King's College London, he worked for the Poet Laureate of England, Ted Hughes at The Arvon Writing Foundation, the charity Hughes started with his first wife, Sylvia Plath. Gervasi moved to Los Angeles in 1995 to attend the graduate screenwriting program at UCLA Film School, where he twice won the BAFTA/LA scholarship. Gervasi got his film writing start with The Big Tease, which he co-wrote with Craig Ferguson. He went on to pen The Terminal, made into a film in 2004 directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks. More recently, Gervasi directed the critically-acclaimed boxoffice hit Anvil! The Story of Anvil which The New Yorker's Anthony Lane called, "The most stirring release of the year...All that we can ask of a movie."
David Goldberg
Chairman, Endemol North America
David Goldberg is Chairman of Endemol North America. Serving previously as President and CEO of Endemol USA, Goldberg launched the company in 2000and quickly established it as one of the leading independent programs suppliers in the US. Among the companies many successes are Deal or No Deal, the Emmy Award winning series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Fear Factor, a fixture on NBC for six seasons, and Big Brother, which has completed ten seasons on CBS. In 2008, the company launched a first run strip version of Deal or No Deal and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition premiere in off network strip syndication. Additionally, Endemol USA premiered the new reality series Wipeout, which became the number one new show of the summer.
Chairman, Endemol North America
David Goldberg is Chairman of Endemol North America. Serving previously as President and CEO of Endemol USA, Goldberg launched the company in 2000and quickly established it as one of the leading independent programs suppliers in the US. Among the companies many successes are Deal or No Deal, the Emmy Award winning series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Fear Factor, a fixture on NBC for six seasons, and Big Brother, which has completed ten seasons on CBS. In 2008, the company launched a first run strip version of Deal or No Deal and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition premiere in off network strip syndication. Additionally, Endemol USA premiered the new reality series Wipeout, which became the number one new show of the summer.
Chris Grant
Managing Director/Head of Worldwide Distribution, Reveille
Chris Grant is Managing Director, Head of Worldwide Distribution at Reveille and President of Shine Reveille International, the sales and distribution arm responsible for distributing programming from Shine Group companies, including Reveille, Kudos, Firefly and Princess Productions, along with programming acquired from independent producers, across the globe. As President of Shine Reveille International, Grant is focused on exploiting worldwide intellectual property rights through scripted and alternative television formats and has developed successful relationships with global distributors and producers in sourcing scripted and unscripted properties for American production. Overseeing the development of Shine Reveille International’s unique brand, Grant manages the creative, casting and storyline processes of the formats sold for international production. Currently, the company supervises original productions in more than 150 countries worldwide, including programs like The Moment of Truth on Fox, American Gladiators on NBC and Master Chef on BBC.
Managing Director/Head of Worldwide Distribution, Reveille
Chris Grant is Managing Director, Head of Worldwide Distribution at Reveille and President of Shine Reveille International, the sales and distribution arm responsible for distributing programming from Shine Group companies, including Reveille, Kudos, Firefly and Princess Productions, along with programming acquired from independent producers, across the globe. As President of Shine Reveille International, Grant is focused on exploiting worldwide intellectual property rights through scripted and alternative television formats and has developed successful relationships with global distributors and producers in sourcing scripted and unscripted properties for American production. Overseeing the development of Shine Reveille International’s unique brand, Grant manages the creative, casting and storyline processes of the formats sold for international production. Currently, the company supervises original productions in more than 150 countries worldwide, including programs like The Moment of Truth on Fox, American Gladiators on NBC and Master Chef on BBC.
Beth Greenwald
VP Original Programming and Series Development, E! Entertainment Television
Beth Greenwald is Vice President of Original Programming and Series Development at E! Entertainment. Greenwald joins E! from New Line Television where she was a senior development executive and over saw production and development for the studio's television division. She previously was an executive at RDF USA and oversaw “The Two Coreys” (A&E) and developed “How to Look Good Naked" with Carson Kressley (Lifetime). Before RDF, Greenwald worked in series development for MTV Networks where she developed and oversaw numerous shows including “Pimp My Ride” and “Next.” Greenwald previously ran the story department at Showtime Networks and later managed series entertainment for the network.
VP Original Programming and Series Development, E! Entertainment Television
Beth Greenwald is Vice President of Original Programming and Series Development at E! Entertainment. Greenwald joins E! from New Line Television where she was a senior development executive and over saw production and development for the studio's television division. She previously was an executive at RDF USA and oversaw “The Two Coreys” (A&E) and developed “How to Look Good Naked" with Carson Kressley (Lifetime). Before RDF, Greenwald worked in series development for MTV Networks where she developed and oversaw numerous shows including “Pimp My Ride” and “Next.” Greenwald previously ran the story department at Showtime Networks and later managed series entertainment for the network.
Robert Greenwald
President, Brave New Films
Robert Greenwald is the founder and president of Brave New Films, a new media company dedicated to educate, influence, and empower viewers to take action around issues that matter. Greenwald is the director/producer ofthe powerful documentaries: Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers, Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price, and Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism. He has also produced and/or directed more than 55 television movies, miniseries and feature films. Greenwald's films have garnered 25 Emmy nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, the Peabody Award and the Robert Wood Johnson Award.
President, Brave New Films
Robert Greenwald is the founder and president of Brave New Films, a new media company dedicated to educate, influence, and empower viewers to take action around issues that matter. Greenwald is the director/producer ofthe powerful documentaries: Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers, Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price, and Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism. He has also produced and/or directed more than 55 television movies, miniseries and feature films. Greenwald's films have garnered 25 Emmy nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, the Peabody Award and the Robert Wood Johnson Award.
Elli Hakami
Vice President, Program Development, West Coast Discovery Channel
As vice president for the Discovery Channel, Hakami is responsible for creating programming initiatives for both domestic and international broadcast, developing and securing talent, and serving as network liaison to the Los Angeles production community. Hakami was at the helm of the networks’ successful New York development office before heading up the Los Angeles office. Prior to Discovery, she was senior director of program development at Court TV, worked on a wide variety of nonfiction programming in HBO’s Original Programming, Documentary department and served as an editor for various documentary programs across cable.
Vice President, Program Development, West Coast Discovery Channel
As vice president for the Discovery Channel, Hakami is responsible for creating programming initiatives for both domestic and international broadcast, developing and securing talent, and serving as network liaison to the Los Angeles production community. Hakami was at the helm of the networks’ successful New York development office before heading up the Los Angeles office. Prior to Discovery, she was senior director of program development at Court TV, worked on a wide variety of nonfiction programming in HBO’s Original Programming, Documentary department and served as an editor for various documentary programs across cable.
Sara Hansemann
Director of Development, RDF USA
Sara Hansemann is Director of Development for RDF USA. As Director, Hansemann focuses on the non-scripted space, creating and developing both original programming as well as adapting international formats for American television. Additionally, she is charged with creating sales materials from producing sizzle reels to writing treatments and expanded episodic breakdowns. Prior to her position, Hansemann worked under Chris Coelen, CEO of RDF USA. Hansemann is a graduate of the University of Michigan with honors degrees in both History and Film Studies. In her free time, she enjoys dominating her fantasy football league and screening Steven Seagal movies at the New Beverly Cinema.
Director of Development, RDF USA
Sara Hansemann is Director of Development for RDF USA. As Director, Hansemann focuses on the non-scripted space, creating and developing both original programming as well as adapting international formats for American television. Additionally, she is charged with creating sales materials from producing sizzle reels to writing treatments and expanded episodic breakdowns. Prior to her position, Hansemann worked under Chris Coelen, CEO of RDF USA. Hansemann is a graduate of the University of Michigan with honors degrees in both History and Film Studies. In her free time, she enjoys dominating her fantasy football league and screening Steven Seagal movies at the New Beverly Cinema.
Jeff Hasler
SVP, Development and Production, Planet Green Discovery Communications, Inc.
As Senior Vice President of Development and Production for Planet Green, Jeff Hasler is responsible for initiating and producing original programming ideas. He oversees the brand’s on-air development slate spanning subjects and categories including the impact of humans on the planet, transportation, transformation, architecture, renovation, science & technology, music, fashion, natural history, lifestyle and culture, among other genres. Hasler manages the development teams, supervises production of pilots, series and special event programming, concepts and formats. Hasler held the position of SVP, Development and Production for the Discovery Channel where he oversaw all original production and development. He was promoted to that role in March 2007 from vice president, development for the Discovery Channel.
SVP, Development and Production, Planet Green Discovery Communications, Inc.
As Senior Vice President of Development and Production for Planet Green, Jeff Hasler is responsible for initiating and producing original programming ideas. He oversees the brand’s on-air development slate spanning subjects and categories including the impact of humans on the planet, transportation, transformation, architecture, renovation, science & technology, music, fashion, natural history, lifestyle and culture, among other genres. Hasler manages the development teams, supervises production of pilots, series and special event programming, concepts and formats. Hasler held the position of SVP, Development and Production for the Discovery Channel where he oversaw all original production and development. He was promoted to that role in March 2007 from vice president, development for the Discovery Channel.
Brent Haynes
SVP Series Development, MTV, East Coast
Brent's dream of playing right wing for the Toronto Maple Leafs is still on hold, so at the moment he is acting as SVP Series Development, East Coast for MTV. Based in New York, he arrived to the position just over a year ago and still carries that new title smell. Previously on "Brent's Life" he was VP The Comedy Network (Canada) and Space (Canada's science fiction channel) where he oversaw many aspects of the operations including development, acquisitions and scheduling. Brent spent close to 11 years with TCN/CTV where he helped develop a bevy of shows such as Corner Gas, Puppets Who Kill and The Tom Green Show without mucking them up too much. At MTV Brent is responsible for a variety of genres, comedy, animation and reality among them. Brent began his career at the CBC, enjoys writing in the third person and feels as if the world continues to owe him something.
SVP Series Development, MTV, East Coast
Brent's dream of playing right wing for the Toronto Maple Leafs is still on hold, so at the moment he is acting as SVP Series Development, East Coast for MTV. Based in New York, he arrived to the position just over a year ago and still carries that new title smell. Previously on "Brent's Life" he was VP The Comedy Network (Canada) and Space (Canada's science fiction channel) where he oversaw many aspects of the operations including development, acquisitions and scheduling. Brent spent close to 11 years with TCN/CTV where he helped develop a bevy of shows such as Corner Gas, Puppets Who Kill and The Tom Green Show without mucking them up too much. At MTV Brent is responsible for a variety of genres, comedy, animation and reality among them. Brent began his career at the CBC, enjoys writing in the third person and feels as if the world continues to owe him something.
Brad Holcman
Director of Creative Affairs, Fox21
Brad Holcman is the Director of Creative Affairs for fox21, a television studio at 20th Century Fox Television delivering innovative programming to the network and cable outlets. He is responsible for their alternative and reality development including the reality show "Game Show in My Head" for CBS and multiple pilots at both the broadcast andcable networks. Additionally, Brad assists with their current slate of drama, comedy and animated scripted projects including the dramatic scripted series "Sons of Anarchy" on FX in production on its 2nd season and pilots for Lifetime, Sci-Fi, Spike TV and the syndicated market. Brad's projects have also included “Beauty and the Geek” for the CW and“Saved” for TNT. Before fox 21, he was at 20th Century Fox Television in Drama Development.
Director of Creative Affairs, Fox21
Brad Holcman is the Director of Creative Affairs for fox21, a television studio at 20th Century Fox Television delivering innovative programming to the network and cable outlets. He is responsible for their alternative and reality development including the reality show "Game Show in My Head" for CBS and multiple pilots at both the broadcast andcable networks. Additionally, Brad assists with their current slate of drama, comedy and animated scripted projects including the dramatic scripted series "Sons of Anarchy" on FX in production on its 2nd season and pilots for Lifetime, Sci-Fi, Spike TV and the syndicated market. Brad's projects have also included “Beauty and the Geek” for the CW and“Saved” for TNT. Before fox 21, he was at 20th Century Fox Television in Drama Development.
Roger Jackson
Documentary Film Producer
In 1999 Roger Jackson joined San Francisco start-up iFilm.com, where he stayed until 2007 as Vice President, Content, including the sale of iFilm to Viacom in 2005 for $49m. He also started producing films, music videos and commercials. His first feature was "Team Extreme" for Fox's Fuel TV. His first documentary was "Arsenic", filmed in Bangladesh & Nepal in 2004, about the largest mass poisoning in human history. More recently, Jackson spent two years as Executive Producer for Explore.org, the documentary film unit of the Annenberg Foundation. He produced short and TV length documentaries in Darfur, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Palestine and Jordan. Notable films include "Darfur: Spirit of a People" and "No Child is Born a Terrorist." Aside from producing, Jackson was responsible for marketing & distribution of the films, both online and offline.
Documentary Film Producer
In 1999 Roger Jackson joined San Francisco start-up iFilm.com, where he stayed until 2007 as Vice President, Content, including the sale of iFilm to Viacom in 2005 for $49m. He also started producing films, music videos and commercials. His first feature was "Team Extreme" for Fox's Fuel TV. His first documentary was "Arsenic", filmed in Bangladesh & Nepal in 2004, about the largest mass poisoning in human history. More recently, Jackson spent two years as Executive Producer for Explore.org, the documentary film unit of the Annenberg Foundation. He produced short and TV length documentaries in Darfur, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Palestine and Jordan. Notable films include "Darfur: Spirit of a People" and "No Child is Born a Terrorist." Aside from producing, Jackson was responsible for marketing & distribution of the films, both online and offline.
Deena Katz
President, Talent Central
Deena Katz has owned Talent Central for over 10 years. She and her company are responsible for producing and casting hundreds of televisions shows and events worldwide. These include present shows such as Dancing with the Stars and Real Time with Bill Maher to Network and Cable series and specials, Presidential Inaugurations and the Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards.
President, Talent Central
Deena Katz has owned Talent Central for over 10 years. She and her company are responsible for producing and casting hundreds of televisions shows and events worldwide. These include present shows such as Dancing with the Stars and Real Time with Bill Maher to Network and Cable series and specials, Presidential Inaugurations and the Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards.
Robby Kenner
Producer, Robert Kenner Films
Robby Kenner’s latest film, Food, Inc., lifts the veil on our nations food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer. Time magazine called the film “bracing, compassionate, witty and compelling.” Kenner’s previous film, Two Days in October, a PBS American Experience special, received the 2006 Peabody, the Emmy for exceptional merit in Non-Fiction Film-Making, and the Greirson (British Documentary). Kenner’s other notable work includes his co-filmmaking endeavor on The Road to Memphis, a film from the Martin Scorsese series, ‘The Blues.’ The Road to Memphis contains interviews with legendary B.B. King. Kenner directed several other films for American Experience including Influenza 1918, John Brown’s Holy War, and War Letters. War Letters weaves together the experiences of American soldiers and their loved ones, yielding a seamless tapestry of archival footage, historical recreations, and readings by Kevin Spacey, Joan Allen, Bill Paxton, Edward Norton and others. Kenner directed numerous specials for National Geographic. Kenner’s inspirational and emotional Don’t Say Goodbye, was screened at the White House for President Clinton and Vice President Gore. The film received an Emmy, the Cable Ace, the Genesis, and the International Documentary Award.
Producer, Robert Kenner Films
Robby Kenner’s latest film, Food, Inc., lifts the veil on our nations food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer. Time magazine called the film “bracing, compassionate, witty and compelling.” Kenner’s previous film, Two Days in October, a PBS American Experience special, received the 2006 Peabody, the Emmy for exceptional merit in Non-Fiction Film-Making, and the Greirson (British Documentary). Kenner’s other notable work includes his co-filmmaking endeavor on The Road to Memphis, a film from the Martin Scorsese series, ‘The Blues.’ The Road to Memphis contains interviews with legendary B.B. King. Kenner directed several other films for American Experience including Influenza 1918, John Brown’s Holy War, and War Letters. War Letters weaves together the experiences of American soldiers and their loved ones, yielding a seamless tapestry of archival footage, historical recreations, and readings by Kevin Spacey, Joan Allen, Bill Paxton, Edward Norton and others. Kenner directed numerous specials for National Geographic. Kenner’s inspirational and emotional Don’t Say Goodbye, was screened at the White House for President Clinton and Vice President Gore. The film received an Emmy, the Cable Ace, the Genesis, and the International Documentary Award.
Mark Koops
Managing Director, Co-Head of Domestic Television, Reveille
Managing Director Mark Koops is responsible for creating and developing a wide range of innovative programming and content for television audiences. Having been with Reveille since its inception in 2002, he is one of four Reveille executives who share management responsibilities for the company. Koops is co-creator and executive producer of NBC’s The Biggest Loser. Since its debut in 2004, he has helped transform the show into a stand alone health and lifestyle brand by developing tools and products inspired by the show and approved by its doctors and experts. Koops also serves as executive producer of NBC’s American Gladiators and Nashville Star, Bravo’s Shear Genius, MTV's Legally Blonde the Musical: The Search for Elle Woods, History’s Shadow Force and TruTV’s Maui Chopper. He previously served as co-executive producer on NBC’s Identity and The Restaurant and Bravo’s Blow Out. His additional credits include Scream Play and the Morgan Spurlock series 30 Days.
Managing Director, Co-Head of Domestic Television, Reveille
Managing Director Mark Koops is responsible for creating and developing a wide range of innovative programming and content for television audiences. Having been with Reveille since its inception in 2002, he is one of four Reveille executives who share management responsibilities for the company. Koops is co-creator and executive producer of NBC’s The Biggest Loser. Since its debut in 2004, he has helped transform the show into a stand alone health and lifestyle brand by developing tools and products inspired by the show and approved by its doctors and experts. Koops also serves as executive producer of NBC’s American Gladiators and Nashville Star, Bravo’s Shear Genius, MTV's Legally Blonde the Musical: The Search for Elle Woods, History’s Shadow Force and TruTV’s Maui Chopper. He previously served as co-executive producer on NBC’s Identity and The Restaurant and Bravo’s Blow Out. His additional credits include Scream Play and the Morgan Spurlock series 30 Days.
Matt Kunitz
Executive Producer, Endemol USA
In 1993, Matt Kunitz joined MTV’s “The Real World” for the show's second season and quickly rose through the program's production ranks to become the show runner. His creative contributions to the pop-culture fixture gave it a unique imprint that targeted the 12-34 year-old age demographic as the series' ratings climbed yearly. Kunitz currently holds a production deal with reality powerhouse Endemol USA, which produces hits including “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” “Deal or No Deal,” “Big Brother,” “Fear Factor,” and “Wipeout.” In 2008 Kunitz created “Wipeout” for ABC. “Wipeout,” now in production on its third season, continues to break rating records in the US and around the world where it is now produced for 25 different countries. Kunitz recently served as a consultant on “Estate of Panic” for Syfy and “The Whole 19 Yards” for CBS. During his six-year overall deal at NBC Universal Studios, Matt Kunitz became one of television’s hottest producers of reality programming. “Fear Factor” became a programming staple on the NBC schedule for 145 episodes. Kunitz was the driving force behind all six seasons of Fear Factor. Also at NBC, Kunitz served as the executive producer of “Dog Eat Dog” and “Late Friday,” and as a consultant on “Lost” and “Treasure Hunters.”
Executive Producer, Endemol USA
In 1993, Matt Kunitz joined MTV’s “The Real World” for the show's second season and quickly rose through the program's production ranks to become the show runner. His creative contributions to the pop-culture fixture gave it a unique imprint that targeted the 12-34 year-old age demographic as the series' ratings climbed yearly. Kunitz currently holds a production deal with reality powerhouse Endemol USA, which produces hits including “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” “Deal or No Deal,” “Big Brother,” “Fear Factor,” and “Wipeout.” In 2008 Kunitz created “Wipeout” for ABC. “Wipeout,” now in production on its third season, continues to break rating records in the US and around the world where it is now produced for 25 different countries. Kunitz recently served as a consultant on “Estate of Panic” for Syfy and “The Whole 19 Yards” for CBS. During his six-year overall deal at NBC Universal Studios, Matt Kunitz became one of television’s hottest producers of reality programming. “Fear Factor” became a programming staple on the NBC schedule for 145 episodes. Kunitz was the driving force behind all six seasons of Fear Factor. Also at NBC, Kunitz served as the executive producer of “Dog Eat Dog” and “Late Friday,” and as a consultant on “Lost” and “Treasure Hunters.”
Chuck LaBella
Talent Producer
Chuck LaBella is entering his 3rd season as Talent Producer for NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice. He recently wrapped NBC’s hugely successful I’m A Celebrity Get My Out Of Here as well as The Comedy Central Roast Of Joan Rivers. Other credits as Talent Producer include Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, The Late Late Show, Last Comic Standing, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader, Crank Yankers, Thank God You’re Here, Celebity Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and Million Dollar Password. LaBella’s expertise as a veteran talent producer brings key talent to projects early in their development. Chuck currently is also a consultant to NBC’s Reality Department.
Talent Producer
Chuck LaBella is entering his 3rd season as Talent Producer for NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice. He recently wrapped NBC’s hugely successful I’m A Celebrity Get My Out Of Here as well as The Comedy Central Roast Of Joan Rivers. Other credits as Talent Producer include Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, The Late Late Show, Last Comic Standing, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader, Crank Yankers, Thank God You’re Here, Celebity Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and Million Dollar Password. LaBella’s expertise as a veteran talent producer brings key talent to projects early in their development. Chuck currently is also a consultant to NBC’s Reality Department.
Susan Lacy
Executive Producer, American Masters, PBS
Susan Lacy is the creator and executive producer of AMERICAN MASTERS – winner of the Emmy for Outstanding Non-Fiction Series in 1999, 2000, 2001,2003, 2004 and 2008. Lacy has produced and presented 150 documentaries about the artistic giants who have affected our culture. Beginning its 23rd season on PBS, AMERICAN MASTERS has been honored with 17 program Emmys, 8 Peabodys, 2 Grammys, an Oscar. Lacy directed Leonard Bernstein: Reaching for the Note (DGA nomination), Paul Simon: Born at the Right Time (Peabody), Rod Serling: Submitted for Your Approval, Lena Horne: In Her Own Voice, Joni Mitchell: Woman of Heart and Mind (Emmy) and Judy Garland: By Myself (Emmy.)
Executive Producer, American Masters, PBS
Susan Lacy is the creator and executive producer of AMERICAN MASTERS – winner of the Emmy for Outstanding Non-Fiction Series in 1999, 2000, 2001,2003, 2004 and 2008. Lacy has produced and presented 150 documentaries about the artistic giants who have affected our culture. Beginning its 23rd season on PBS, AMERICAN MASTERS has been honored with 17 program Emmys, 8 Peabodys, 2 Grammys, an Oscar. Lacy directed Leonard Bernstein: Reaching for the Note (DGA nomination), Paul Simon: Born at the Right Time (Peabody), Rod Serling: Submitted for Your Approval, Lena Horne: In Her Own Voice, Joni Mitchell: Woman of Heart and Mind (Emmy) and Judy Garland: By Myself (Emmy.)
Lisa Layer
Special Assignments Executive, Directors Guild of America
Lisa Layer is a Special Assignments Executive for the Directors Guild of America. She works mainly in the areas of independent film and reality TV, covering agreements and outreach, working with both the Independent Directors Committee and the Reality TV Committee. She started with the DGA eleven years ago, working in the Chicago office while she was earning a Masters Degree in Labor Relations. She transferred to the Los Angeles office five years ago as a field rep.
Special Assignments Executive, Directors Guild of America
Lisa Layer is a Special Assignments Executive for the Directors Guild of America. She works mainly in the areas of independent film and reality TV, covering agreements and outreach, working with both the Independent Directors Committee and the Reality TV Committee. She started with the DGA eleven years ago, working in the Chicago office while she was earning a Masters Degree in Labor Relations. She transferred to the Los Angeles office five years ago as a field rep.
Lauren Lexton
Co-Founder and Executive Producer, Authentic Entertainment
Lauren Lexton is Co- Founder and Executive Producer of Authentic Entertainment, a leading producer of nonfiction television programming. Named to Realscreen Magazine’s “Global 100” list in 2007, 2008 and 2009, Authentic produces such hit series as Ace of Cakes, Flipping Out!, Best Thing I Ever Ate and Toddlers & Tiaras. In current and upcoming projects, Authentic brings its unparalleled production values to networks like Bravo, Showtime, Food Network, Discovery, TLC, Animal Planet, and Oxygen. Lauren, along with partner, Tom Rogan, has created a cutting edge production company that is creative, innovative, and most of all, Authentic. Her greatest passion is uncovering great stories and talent, and discovering time after time that truth IS stranger than fiction.
Co-Founder and Executive Producer, Authentic Entertainment
Lauren Lexton is Co- Founder and Executive Producer of Authentic Entertainment, a leading producer of nonfiction television programming. Named to Realscreen Magazine’s “Global 100” list in 2007, 2008 and 2009, Authentic produces such hit series as Ace of Cakes, Flipping Out!, Best Thing I Ever Ate and Toddlers & Tiaras. In current and upcoming projects, Authentic brings its unparalleled production values to networks like Bravo, Showtime, Food Network, Discovery, TLC, Animal Planet, and Oxygen. Lauren, along with partner, Tom Rogan, has created a cutting edge production company that is creative, innovative, and most of all, Authentic. Her greatest passion is uncovering great stories and talent, and discovering time after time that truth IS stranger than fiction.
Cynthia Littleton
Deputy Editor, Variety
Cynthia Littleton is deputy editor of Variety and the author of the Variety.com blog On the Air. She's covered the television business for the past 16 years for Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and Broadcasting & Cable. She's the co-author of the 2007 book "Season Finale: The Unexpected Rise and Fall of the WB and UPN."
Deputy Editor, Variety
Cynthia Littleton is deputy editor of Variety and the author of the Variety.com blog On the Air. She's covered the television business for the past 16 years for Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and Broadcasting & Cable. She's the co-author of the 2007 book "Season Finale: The Unexpected Rise and Fall of the WB and UPN."
Lynne Littman
Director
Director Lynne Littman received an Academy Award for her documentary film, Number Our Days, based on the fieldwork of anthropologist, Barbara Myerhoff. Ten years later, her feature documentary, In Her Own Time, chronicled Dr. Myerhoff’s final fieldwork and her death at age 49. In Her Own Time was first screened at Sundance. She made her feature film directing debut with Testament starring Jane Alexander, who was Oscar-nominated for Best Actress. Originally produced for American Playhouse,Testament premiered at the Telluride Film Festival, screened at the Berlin Film Festival and was distributed theatrically by Paramount Pictures prior to its PBS broadcast. For the recent DVD release of Testament Littman directed two new bonus feature documentaries. For the body ofwork she created at KCET, Littman earned 4 Emmys, a Columbia/Dupont Journalism Award, a Los Angeles Press Club Award, the Radio and TV News Association's Golden Mike, 2 Christophers, 3 Cine Golden Eagles, a George Foster Peabody Award and First Prizes at the Atlanta and San Francisco Film Festivals. Ms. Littman spent one year at ABC as Executive Producer of Movies for Television.
Director
Director Lynne Littman received an Academy Award for her documentary film, Number Our Days, based on the fieldwork of anthropologist, Barbara Myerhoff. Ten years later, her feature documentary, In Her Own Time, chronicled Dr. Myerhoff’s final fieldwork and her death at age 49. In Her Own Time was first screened at Sundance. She made her feature film directing debut with Testament starring Jane Alexander, who was Oscar-nominated for Best Actress. Originally produced for American Playhouse,Testament premiered at the Telluride Film Festival, screened at the Berlin Film Festival and was distributed theatrically by Paramount Pictures prior to its PBS broadcast. For the recent DVD release of Testament Littman directed two new bonus feature documentaries. For the body ofwork she created at KCET, Littman earned 4 Emmys, a Columbia/Dupont Journalism Award, a Los Angeles Press Club Award, the Radio and TV News Association's Golden Mike, 2 Christophers, 3 Cine Golden Eagles, a George Foster Peabody Award and First Prizes at the Atlanta and San Francisco Film Festivals. Ms. Littman spent one year at ABC as Executive Producer of Movies for Television.
Eric Luskin
VP of Syndication and Premium Service, American Public Television
Eric Luskin is currently Vice President of Syndication and Premium Service for American Public Television. He joined APT in September 1996 as Director of Syndication and was subsequently promoted to Vice President of Syndication. In August 2002, he also became VP of APT's pledge program division. Luskin came to APT from the New Jersey Network where he was Director of Programming. During his 17 year career at NJN, he also served as Manager of Cultural and Entertainment programming, a reporter for NJN News, a producer/director and a pledge producer. He has won three Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmys and is a past board member of the Mid-Atlantic and New England chapters of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
VP of Syndication and Premium Service, American Public Television
Eric Luskin is currently Vice President of Syndication and Premium Service for American Public Television. He joined APT in September 1996 as Director of Syndication and was subsequently promoted to Vice President of Syndication. In August 2002, he also became VP of APT's pledge program division. Luskin came to APT from the New Jersey Network where he was Director of Programming. During his 17 year career at NJN, he also served as Manager of Cultural and Entertainment programming, a reporter for NJN News, a producer/director and a pledge producer. He has won three Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmys and is a past board member of the Mid-Atlantic and New England chapters of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
David Lyle
President, Fox Reality Channel
David Lyle is President of Fox Reality Channel and a globally-renowned, reality-television expert, whose career spans 25 years across more than 20 countries. Mr. Lyle is an entertainment veteran with an extensive background, serving in senior executive positions at successful production and television companies, such as FremantleMedia (AMERICAN IDOL) and Pearson Television as the head of development at Australia’s Nine Network. He joined Fox Cable Networks as the COO and General Manager to lead the launch of Fox Reality Channel in January 2005. During Mr. Lyle’s tenure at Fox Reality Channel, the network has experienced a dramatic rise in distribution to nearly 50 million homes and can be accessed via Video on Demand, broadband (including Hulu), mobile devices and other downloadable digital platforms such as iTunes®. Mr. Lyle has launched notable series such as American Idol Extra, The Academy, Solitary, Long Way Down, Househusbands of Hollywood, and the Fox Reality Channel Really Awards.
President, Fox Reality Channel
David Lyle is President of Fox Reality Channel and a globally-renowned, reality-television expert, whose career spans 25 years across more than 20 countries. Mr. Lyle is an entertainment veteran with an extensive background, serving in senior executive positions at successful production and television companies, such as FremantleMedia (AMERICAN IDOL) and Pearson Television as the head of development at Australia’s Nine Network. He joined Fox Cable Networks as the COO and General Manager to lead the launch of Fox Reality Channel in January 2005. During Mr. Lyle’s tenure at Fox Reality Channel, the network has experienced a dramatic rise in distribution to nearly 50 million homes and can be accessed via Video on Demand, broadband (including Hulu), mobile devices and other downloadable digital platforms such as iTunes®. Mr. Lyle has launched notable series such as American Idol Extra, The Academy, Solitary, Long Way Down, Househusbands of Hollywood, and the Fox Reality Channel Really Awards.
Ari Mark
Manager, Original Programming & Development, Sundance Channel
As Sundance Channel’s Manager, Original Programming & Development, Ari Mark manages the development and production of Sundance Channel’s original series and documentaries. In his current role, Mark supervises the production of feature documentary co-productions and manages a full slate of scripted and non-scripted series in development for 2010. Recent and upcoming feature documentary titles that Mark oversees include Cities on Speed (miniseries), The Glass House, Hometown Baghdad, Eventual Salvation, Waste: A Nuclear Nightmare, Pablo’s Hippos, Cape Wind, Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement, and others. Prior to Sundance Channel, Mark worked at 4th Row Films where he developed a wide range of projects – both feature films & television series. Before 4th Row, Mark worked in production for Feury/Grant Entertainment & as an associate at Ruder Finn Creative. Mark has also written and directed several award-winning short feature films and documentaries including The Gift, Jew of Calcutta, and The Metamorphosis – which premiered on Sundance Channel and ran on PBS.org as part of Independent Lens.
Manager, Original Programming & Development, Sundance Channel
As Sundance Channel’s Manager, Original Programming & Development, Ari Mark manages the development and production of Sundance Channel’s original series and documentaries. In his current role, Mark supervises the production of feature documentary co-productions and manages a full slate of scripted and non-scripted series in development for 2010. Recent and upcoming feature documentary titles that Mark oversees include Cities on Speed (miniseries), The Glass House, Hometown Baghdad, Eventual Salvation, Waste: A Nuclear Nightmare, Pablo’s Hippos, Cape Wind, Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement, and others. Prior to Sundance Channel, Mark worked at 4th Row Films where he developed a wide range of projects – both feature films & television series. Before 4th Row, Mark worked in production for Feury/Grant Entertainment & as an associate at Ruder Finn Creative. Mark has also written and directed several award-winning short feature films and documentaries including The Gift, Jew of Calcutta, and The Metamorphosis – which premiered on Sundance Channel and ran on PBS.org as part of Independent Lens.
Kim Masters
Host, The Business, KCRW
Kim Masters is host of The Business, public radio's show about the business of show business, produced by KCRW. She is also a writer for The Daily Beast. Formerly she covered entertainment for National Public Radio. She's served as a contributing editor at Vanity Fair, Time and Esquire and was a staff writer at The Washington Post. She is the author of The Keys to the Kingdom: The Rise of Michael Eisner and the Fall of Everybody Else and co-author, with Nancy Griffin, of Hit & Run: How Jon Peters and Peter Guber Took Sony for a Ride in Hollywood.
Host, The Business, KCRW
Kim Masters is host of The Business, public radio's show about the business of show business, produced by KCRW. She is also a writer for The Daily Beast. Formerly she covered entertainment for National Public Radio. She's served as a contributing editor at Vanity Fair, Time and Esquire and was a staff writer at The Washington Post. She is the author of The Keys to the Kingdom: The Rise of Michael Eisner and the Fall of Everybody Else and co-author, with Nancy Griffin, of Hit & Run: How Jon Peters and Peter Guber Took Sony for a Ride in Hollywood.
Mary Mazur
EVP/Chief Content Officer, KCET
Mary Mazur, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, oversee scontent development and production for all media at KCET, Southern and Central California’s largest public television station and the Public Broadcasting Service’s (PBS) West Coast flagship station. Some of the current national projects led by Ms. Mazur include a distribution partnership with BBC to present BBC World News to PBS stations across the country; the recent launch of the PBS KIDS® daily series Sid the Science Kid; two nationally distributed Peabody Award-winning series for caregivers, A Place of Our Own and Los Niños en Su Casa, its Emmy®-winning Spanish-language companion; and the four-time NAACP winning Tavis Smiley, the only late night talk PBS show emanating from the West Coast.
EVP/Chief Content Officer, KCET
Mary Mazur, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, oversee scontent development and production for all media at KCET, Southern and Central California’s largest public television station and the Public Broadcasting Service’s (PBS) West Coast flagship station. Some of the current national projects led by Ms. Mazur include a distribution partnership with BBC to present BBC World News to PBS stations across the country; the recent launch of the PBS KIDS® daily series Sid the Science Kid; two nationally distributed Peabody Award-winning series for caregivers, A Place of Our Own and Los Niños en Su Casa, its Emmy®-winning Spanish-language companion; and the four-time NAACP winning Tavis Smiley, the only late night talk PBS show emanating from the West Coast.
Gena McCarthy
Senior Vice President of Development and Production, Discovery Channel
As Senior Vice President of Development and Production for Discovery Channel, McCarthy oversees the development strategy and production/execution of all specials, series, pilots and mini-series for the flagship network. She and her team fill the development pipeline with a diverse slate of content for fringe and prime time air. McCarthy has overseen the creation and launch of new shows including Pitchmen, Out of the Wild, The Colony, American Loggers, Time Warp, Who Was Jesus and Engineering the Universe. As a former Executive Producer for Discovery Channel and TLC, McCarthy managed execution of many hit series and specials for those networks including Dirty Jobs, Mythbusters, Deadliest Catch, Junkyard MegaWars, For Better or For Worse and In a Fix.
Senior Vice President of Development and Production, Discovery Channel
As Senior Vice President of Development and Production for Discovery Channel, McCarthy oversees the development strategy and production/execution of all specials, series, pilots and mini-series for the flagship network. She and her team fill the development pipeline with a diverse slate of content for fringe and prime time air. McCarthy has overseen the creation and launch of new shows including Pitchmen, Out of the Wild, The Colony, American Loggers, Time Warp, Who Was Jesus and Engineering the Universe. As a former Executive Producer for Discovery Channel and TLC, McCarthy managed execution of many hit series and specials for those networks including Dirty Jobs, Mythbusters, Deadliest Catch, Junkyard MegaWars, For Better or For Worse and In a Fix.
Jim Milio
Co-Chair, MPH Entertainment
Jim Milio has been a writer, producer and director of television programs and feature films for more than twenty-five years. He is currently co-chair of the award winning production company MPH Entertainment. In film, Mr. Milio wrote and directed Men Seeking Women starring Will Ferrell and was the co-executive producer of the highest grossing romantic comedy of all time, My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Mr. Milio has written, produced, or directed more than 300 hours of television programming, including the Emmy-nominated Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan for National Geographic Channel, Takedown for Court TV, Founding Fathers for The History Channel, Discovery Channel Eco-Challenge Australia, Rescue 911 for CBS, the Emmy nominated Great Moments in Disney Animation for ABC, and The Real Las Vegas for A&E.
Co-Chair, MPH Entertainment
Jim Milio has been a writer, producer and director of television programs and feature films for more than twenty-five years. He is currently co-chair of the award winning production company MPH Entertainment. In film, Mr. Milio wrote and directed Men Seeking Women starring Will Ferrell and was the co-executive producer of the highest grossing romantic comedy of all time, My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Mr. Milio has written, produced, or directed more than 300 hours of television programming, including the Emmy-nominated Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan for National Geographic Channel, Takedown for Court TV, Founding Fathers for The History Channel, Discovery Channel Eco-Challenge Australia, Rescue 911 for CBS, the Emmy nominated Great Moments in Disney Animation for ABC, and The Real Las Vegas for A&E.
Rob Miller
President, Peleton Entertainment
Working on all levels of broadcasting, including network, cable, syndication, and co-production financing, Rob represents producers of reality, documentary and feature film production. He has recently sold shows to Lifetime, USA, History Channel, CMT, HBO, A&E, Spike TV, and TNT. Prior to forming Peleton, he was an agent at N.S. Bienstock, the President of Television for Unapix Entertainment, Vice President of International Television for the NFL and Vice President of Program Enterprises for Showtime Networks.
President, Peleton Entertainment
Working on all levels of broadcasting, including network, cable, syndication, and co-production financing, Rob represents producers of reality, documentary and feature film production. He has recently sold shows to Lifetime, USA, History Channel, CMT, HBO, A&E, Spike TV, and TNT. Prior to forming Peleton, he was an agent at N.S. Bienstock, the President of Television for Unapix Entertainment, Vice President of International Television for the NFL and Vice President of Program Enterprises for Showtime Networks.
Jonathan Murray
President, Bunim/Murray Productions
Widely credited with inventing the modern reality television genre, Jonathan Murray continues to inspire, influence and entertain television audiences worldwide. Since the 1992 launch of “The Real World” (MTV), Murray has created and executive produced more than 50 seasons and close to 2000 hours of the industry’s most innovative unscripted entertainment television, as well as its first unscripted feature film. As president of Bunim-Murray Productions, Murray guides the creative process that has distinguished the company’s shows since the early 1990s. In 2007, the company launched BMP Films which sold its first, critically acclaimed documentary, “Autism: The Musical” to HBO. In 2008 the company continues to thrive, producing projects for prime time and cable television platforms, including the 21st season of “The Real World” (MTV), the 16th season of “The Real World/Road Rules Challenge”(MTV), the second season of “Keeping up with the Kardashians” (E!),“The Supreme Court of Comedy” (DirecTV), “Old Skool with Terry and Gita” (upcoming on VH1) and “Living Lohan” (upcoming on E!). Recently aired Bunim/Murray series include “America’s Psychic Challenge”(Lifetime), “Murder” (Spike) and “Dr. Steve-O” (USA).
President, Bunim/Murray Productions
Widely credited with inventing the modern reality television genre, Jonathan Murray continues to inspire, influence and entertain television audiences worldwide. Since the 1992 launch of “The Real World” (MTV), Murray has created and executive produced more than 50 seasons and close to 2000 hours of the industry’s most innovative unscripted entertainment television, as well as its first unscripted feature film. As president of Bunim-Murray Productions, Murray guides the creative process that has distinguished the company’s shows since the early 1990s. In 2007, the company launched BMP Films which sold its first, critically acclaimed documentary, “Autism: The Musical” to HBO. In 2008 the company continues to thrive, producing projects for prime time and cable television platforms, including the 21st season of “The Real World” (MTV), the 16th season of “The Real World/Road Rules Challenge”(MTV), the second season of “Keeping up with the Kardashians” (E!),“The Supreme Court of Comedy” (DirecTV), “Old Skool with Terry and Gita” (upcoming on VH1) and “Living Lohan” (upcoming on E!). Recently aired Bunim/Murray series include “America’s Psychic Challenge”(Lifetime), “Murder” (Spike) and “Dr. Steve-O” (USA).
Tom Neff
Founder, The Documentary Channel™
Oscar Nominated and Emmy winning documentary filmmaker Tom Neff has over twenty five years experience in the film industry. His films have garnered over 25 national and international awards, ranging fom the nation’s first HDTV art documentary production with the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Frederic Remington; to a 35mm documentary on the artistry of musical legend Herb Alpert; to the IMAX production “Our Country.” His recent feature length documentary, “Chances: The Women of Magdalene,” was voted Best Audience Doc at the Nashville Film Festival, and was awarded the Tennessee Spirit Award for the best film of the year by a Tennessean. Neff launched Documentary Channel™ (www.documentarychannel.com), the nation’s first channel dedicated exclusively to showing independent documentaries, on DISH Network in January 2006. The network today airs to over 24 million viewers nationally. Documentary Channel™ is the voice of the independent documentary filmmaker. Creating a home for the work of thousands of filmmakers -- much of which has never before been seen on television – DOC showcases the innovative and inspiring work of independent documentary filmmakers from around the world, uncut and uncensored.
Founder, The Documentary Channel™
Oscar Nominated and Emmy winning documentary filmmaker Tom Neff has over twenty five years experience in the film industry. His films have garnered over 25 national and international awards, ranging fom the nation’s first HDTV art documentary production with the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Frederic Remington; to a 35mm documentary on the artistry of musical legend Herb Alpert; to the IMAX production “Our Country.” His recent feature length documentary, “Chances: The Women of Magdalene,” was voted Best Audience Doc at the Nashville Film Festival, and was awarded the Tennessee Spirit Award for the best film of the year by a Tennessean. Neff launched Documentary Channel™ (www.documentarychannel.com), the nation’s first channel dedicated exclusively to showing independent documentaries, on DISH Network in January 2006. The network today airs to over 24 million viewers nationally. Documentary Channel™ is the voice of the independent documentary filmmaker. Creating a home for the work of thousands of filmmakers -- much of which has never before been seen on television – DOC showcases the innovative and inspiring work of independent documentary filmmakers from around the world, uncut and uncensored.
Chris Newman
Agent, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment
Chris Newman is an agent at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment. Newman has represented such clients as Ryan Seacrest, Jeff Probst, Arsenio Hall, Super Delicious, A. Smith & Company, Erin Brockovich, and the “…For Dummies” brand book series. Prior to joining WME, Newman was CEO and Founder of several start-up ventures, the first launched at age 19. Three start-ups later, and ready for a new challenge, Newman set his sights on becoming an agent, starting in the William Morris Agency’s mailroom as an agent trainee. He was fortunate enough to work on the desks of former Vice Chairman Jerry Katzman and Executive Vice President Mark Itkin. He is the son of Richard Newman, a 20 year industry veteran and former “Hollywood Reporter” and “Variety” staffer, film publicist and television writer. (His uncle’s name is William Morris… no relation.)
Agent, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment
Chris Newman is an agent at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment. Newman has represented such clients as Ryan Seacrest, Jeff Probst, Arsenio Hall, Super Delicious, A. Smith & Company, Erin Brockovich, and the “…For Dummies” brand book series. Prior to joining WME, Newman was CEO and Founder of several start-up ventures, the first launched at age 19. Three start-ups later, and ready for a new challenge, Newman set his sights on becoming an agent, starting in the William Morris Agency’s mailroom as an agent trainee. He was fortunate enough to work on the desks of former Vice Chairman Jerry Katzman and Executive Vice President Mark Itkin. He is the son of Richard Newman, a 20 year industry veteran and former “Hollywood Reporter” and “Variety” staffer, film publicist and television writer. (His uncle’s name is William Morris… no relation.)
Charles Nordlander
VP Development and Programming, History Channel
Since joining History in August, 2007, Charles Nordlander has developed and/or EP’d groundbreaking major series such as Expedition Africa, Pawn Stars, Evolve and Battle 360, all of which have pushed the visual, narrative and dramatic boundaries in how stories for History are told. Nordlander also oversees a team of executive producers responsible fo rthe development and creation of original series and specials for the network. Additionally, he is charged with creating and implementing innovative programming strategies that expand the brand across multiple platforms including history.com. Prior to joining History, Nordlander served from 2005-2007 as Vice President, Program Development for the Food Network, where he developed and launched a slate of new series that reinvented Food’s primetime schedule. His successes there include Ace of Cakes, Chopped, Dinner Impossible, Throwdown and Diner, Drive-Ins & Dives. From 2004-2005, he was Director of Lifestyle Programming for A&E. In that position, he co-created and developed Flip This House, which brought a character-driven docuseries format to the lifestyle genre and broke out to become a prime time hit for A&E.
VP Development and Programming, History Channel
Since joining History in August, 2007, Charles Nordlander has developed and/or EP’d groundbreaking major series such as Expedition Africa, Pawn Stars, Evolve and Battle 360, all of which have pushed the visual, narrative and dramatic boundaries in how stories for History are told. Nordlander also oversees a team of executive producers responsible fo rthe development and creation of original series and specials for the network. Additionally, he is charged with creating and implementing innovative programming strategies that expand the brand across multiple platforms including history.com. Prior to joining History, Nordlander served from 2005-2007 as Vice President, Program Development for the Food Network, where he developed and launched a slate of new series that reinvented Food’s primetime schedule. His successes there include Ace of Cakes, Chopped, Dinner Impossible, Throwdown and Diner, Drive-Ins & Dives. From 2004-2005, he was Director of Lifestyle Programming for A&E. In that position, he co-created and developed Flip This House, which brought a character-driven docuseries format to the lifestyle genre and broke out to become a prime time hit for A&E.
Erick Opeka
Head of Digital Distribution, New Video Entertainment
Erick Opeka is the Head of Digital Distribution for New Video Entertainment, a global distribution company bringing top television, cutting edge documentaries, independent film, professional sports, and children’s programming to the home entertainment marketplace. As the world’s largest independent digital video distributor, New Video provides over 11,000 hours of film and television from more than 120 trusted brands to all major download and streaming platforms. New Video distributes content from major brand partners including A&E, HISTORY, Major League Baseball, NASCAR, Scholastic, and the Jim Henson Company, among others. Previously, Erick marketed releases for the Docurama Films and A&E Home Entertainment labels, including fifteen Academy Award®-winning and nominated feature documentaries.
Head of Digital Distribution, New Video Entertainment
Erick Opeka is the Head of Digital Distribution for New Video Entertainment, a global distribution company bringing top television, cutting edge documentaries, independent film, professional sports, and children’s programming to the home entertainment marketplace. As the world’s largest independent digital video distributor, New Video provides over 11,000 hours of film and television from more than 120 trusted brands to all major download and streaming platforms. New Video distributes content from major brand partners including A&E, HISTORY, Major League Baseball, NASCAR, Scholastic, and the Jim Henson Company, among others. Previously, Erick marketed releases for the Docurama Films and A&E Home Entertainment labels, including fifteen Academy Award®-winning and nominated feature documentaries.
Howard T. Owens
Managing Director, Reveille
Howard T. Owens, Managing Director of Reveille, LLC, is responsible for creating, packaging, and selling innovative content for television and digital platforms. Owens was a founding member of Reveille's management and has remained a principal in the company since its inception in 2002. In 2008 Elisabeth Murdoch's Shine Group purchased the company. Owens has created and/or produced a wide range of scripted and unscripted TV programming, including The Biggest Loser, 30 Days, Kath & Kim, Tabatha’s Salon Takeover, Shear Genius, Date My Mom, and Parental Control. He is currently executive producing a transformational reality show starring Tony Robbins. Owens is also the architect behind Reveille's landmark deal with Microsoft, whereby Reveille creates and produces online entertainment for Fortune 500 brands, which is distributed via MSN.com and Microsoft's other distribution arms.
Managing Director, Reveille
Howard T. Owens, Managing Director of Reveille, LLC, is responsible for creating, packaging, and selling innovative content for television and digital platforms. Owens was a founding member of Reveille's management and has remained a principal in the company since its inception in 2002. In 2008 Elisabeth Murdoch's Shine Group purchased the company. Owens has created and/or produced a wide range of scripted and unscripted TV programming, including The Biggest Loser, 30 Days, Kath & Kim, Tabatha’s Salon Takeover, Shear Genius, Date My Mom, and Parental Control. He is currently executive producing a transformational reality show starring Tony Robbins. Owens is also the architect behind Reveille's landmark deal with Microsoft, whereby Reveille creates and produces online entertainment for Fortune 500 brands, which is distributed via MSN.com and Microsoft's other distribution arms.
Gary Paticoff
SVP, Executive Producer, Content, RPA
For the past 20 years Gary Paticoff has been the Senior Vice President, Executive Producer, Content at RPA an independent advertising agency based out of Santa Monica, CA. His primary responsibilities have been running the production department as well as being involved in the hands on production of both traditional and interactive product advertising and product launches for American Honda and Acura. In addition he has been directly involved in the creation and execution of Honda’s, Dream the Impossible documentary series. Along with the Honda and Acura work Paticoff has produced for a range of clients that include Bugle Boy, Arco, AM/PM, La-Z-Boy, Pioneer, The LA Kings, McDonalds and The California Lottery. September will be his 30th anniversary at RPA.
SVP, Executive Producer, Content, RPA
For the past 20 years Gary Paticoff has been the Senior Vice President, Executive Producer, Content at RPA an independent advertising agency based out of Santa Monica, CA. His primary responsibilities have been running the production department as well as being involved in the hands on production of both traditional and interactive product advertising and product launches for American Honda and Acura. In addition he has been directly involved in the creation and execution of Honda’s, Dream the Impossible documentary series. Along with the Honda and Acura work Paticoff has produced for a range of clients that include Bugle Boy, Arco, AM/PM, La-Z-Boy, Pioneer, The LA Kings, McDonalds and The California Lottery. September will be his 30th anniversary at RPA.
Elise Pearlstein
Writer, Producer
Elise Pearlstein has been producing and writing documentaries for film and television for over a decade. With Robby Kenner, Elise produced Kenner’s critically acclaimed film Food, Inc. It opened theatrically in June 2009 after premiering to sold-out crowds at the 2008 Toronto Film Festival and the 2009 Berlin Film Festival. Prior to producing Food, Inc., Elise produced Oscar-winning filmmaker Jessica Yu’s documentary Protagonist about four men from very different backgrounds who end up on a similar path to extremism. The film premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival then was released theatrically by IFC Films and Red Envelope Entertainment. For Bravo, Pearlstein directed and produced The Million Dollar Recipe, a feature-length documentary that follows an ambitious group of cooks as they compete to win the coveted Pillsbury Bake-Off and take home a million dollar prize. Pearlstein also spent five years producing and writing prime-time documentaries for Tom Brokaw and the late Peter Jennings. Elise also co-produced and co-wrote Smoke and Mirrors:A History of Denial, a historical exposé about the tobacco industry that was short-listed for the 2000 Oscar for Feature Documentary.
Writer, Producer
Elise Pearlstein has been producing and writing documentaries for film and television for over a decade. With Robby Kenner, Elise produced Kenner’s critically acclaimed film Food, Inc. It opened theatrically in June 2009 after premiering to sold-out crowds at the 2008 Toronto Film Festival and the 2009 Berlin Film Festival. Prior to producing Food, Inc., Elise produced Oscar-winning filmmaker Jessica Yu’s documentary Protagonist about four men from very different backgrounds who end up on a similar path to extremism. The film premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival then was released theatrically by IFC Films and Red Envelope Entertainment. For Bravo, Pearlstein directed and produced The Million Dollar Recipe, a feature-length documentary that follows an ambitious group of cooks as they compete to win the coveted Pillsbury Bake-Off and take home a million dollar prize. Pearlstein also spent five years producing and writing prime-time documentaries for Tom Brokaw and the late Peter Jennings. Elise also co-produced and co-wrote Smoke and Mirrors:A History of Denial, a historical exposé about the tobacco industry that was short-listed for the 2000 Oscar for Feature Documentary.
Richard E. Robbins
Writer, Producer, Director, Founding Partner of The Documentary Group
Richard E. Robbins is a writer, producer, director and a founding partner of The Documentary Group. His first theatrically released documentary Operation Homecoming: was nominated for an Academy Award in 2008, and awarded an Emmy for it’s PBS broadcast. The Orlando Sentinel called it “...the best documentary to come out of the Iraq War.” He was also nominated for a Directors Guild award for outstanding achievement in documentary directing, and an IDA award for best documentary feature. Richard began directing in Peter Jennings’ documentary unit at ABC News on the critically acclaimed ABC series The Century. His work for ABC took him around the country and around the globe reporting from war zones, campaign trails, and urban gang conflicts. At the Documentary Group, Richard continues to develop projects for cable and broadcast networks, as well as a new documentary feature. Now branching into fiction work as well, he recently wrote and produced a one hour dramatic pilot for ABC television.
Writer, Producer, Director, Founding Partner of The Documentary Group
Richard E. Robbins is a writer, producer, director and a founding partner of The Documentary Group. His first theatrically released documentary Operation Homecoming: was nominated for an Academy Award in 2008, and awarded an Emmy for it’s PBS broadcast. The Orlando Sentinel called it “...the best documentary to come out of the Iraq War.” He was also nominated for a Directors Guild award for outstanding achievement in documentary directing, and an IDA award for best documentary feature. Richard began directing in Peter Jennings’ documentary unit at ABC News on the critically acclaimed ABC series The Century. His work for ABC took him around the country and around the globe reporting from war zones, campaign trails, and urban gang conflicts. At the Documentary Group, Richard continues to develop projects for cable and broadcast networks, as well as a new documentary feature. Now branching into fiction work as well, he recently wrote and produced a one hour dramatic pilot for ABC television.
Tom Rogan
Co-Founder and Executive Producer, Authentic Entertainment
Tom is co-founder and executive producer of Authentic Entertainment. Based in Burbank, Authentic is a leading producer of non-fiction television programming, producing such hit series as Ace of Cakes, Flipping Out, Toddlers & Tiaras and Best Thing I Ever Ate, as well as numerous other specials and series. Authentic is currently producing 12 series for 9 different networks, including Bravo, Showtime, Discovery, TLC, Oxygen & Food Network.
Co-Founder and Executive Producer, Authentic Entertainment
Tom is co-founder and executive producer of Authentic Entertainment. Based in Burbank, Authentic is a leading producer of non-fiction television programming, producing such hit series as Ace of Cakes, Flipping Out, Toddlers & Tiaras and Best Thing I Ever Ate, as well as numerous other specials and series. Authentic is currently producing 12 series for 9 different networks, including Bravo, Showtime, Discovery, TLC, Oxygen & Food Network.
Michael L. Rose
President, MRPI
Michael Rose heads up his own boutique production company that specializes in factual programming for television. He has directed, written, produced and or executive produced over two hundred programs on a variety of topics that have aired around the world. Storytelling has been Rose’s passion since college where he discovered the power of media to make social change. He decided to find a way to channel his interests into filmmaking. His first film at the UCLA film school prompted an ongoing research and advocacy effort that has shut down a nuclear reactor halted the resumption of the ocean disposal of nuclear waste and stopped a California valley from becoming a nuclear dump. One independent effort, a biography of labor leader Walter Reuther, won a local Emmy. No matter what the subject, he’s found that in the end it’s all about the story.
President, MRPI
Michael Rose heads up his own boutique production company that specializes in factual programming for television. He has directed, written, produced and or executive produced over two hundred programs on a variety of topics that have aired around the world. Storytelling has been Rose’s passion since college where he discovered the power of media to make social change. He decided to find a way to channel his interests into filmmaking. His first film at the UCLA film school prompted an ongoing research and advocacy effort that has shut down a nuclear reactor halted the resumption of the ocean disposal of nuclear waste and stopped a California valley from becoming a nuclear dump. One independent effort, a biography of labor leader Walter Reuther, won a local Emmy. No matter what the subject, he’s found that in the end it’s all about the story.
J.D. Roth
Partner/Executive Producer, 3 Ball Productions
With nearly 30 years in the television business both in front of and behind the camera—Creator, Executive Producer and on-air host—JD Roth has been at the fore front of the rapidly evolving reality television and game show industry. Roth began as the youngest game show host ever with the hit Fox series "Fun House" and went on to become NBC's youngest producer in the network’s history. He has been nominated for an Emmy as a host as well as three times as an Executive Producer. Roth, along with life-long friend Todd Nelson, created 3 Ball Productions. Together they have been the creative and executive producers of some of today's most recognizable reality hits including "Biggest Loser" (NBC), “4th &Long” (Spike), "Beauty and the Geek" ( WB), “Hammertime” (A&E),“The Fashion Show” (Bravo), “The Pick Up Artist” (VH1), "For Love o rMoney" (NBC), "Age Of Love" (NBC), "Breaking Bonaduce" (VH1), "Scott Baio is 45 and Single" (VH1) and Unanimous" (FOX).
Partner/Executive Producer, 3 Ball Productions
With nearly 30 years in the television business both in front of and behind the camera—Creator, Executive Producer and on-air host—JD Roth has been at the fore front of the rapidly evolving reality television and game show industry. Roth began as the youngest game show host ever with the hit Fox series "Fun House" and went on to become NBC's youngest producer in the network’s history. He has been nominated for an Emmy as a host as well as three times as an Executive Producer. Roth, along with life-long friend Todd Nelson, created 3 Ball Productions. Together they have been the creative and executive producers of some of today's most recognizable reality hits including "Biggest Loser" (NBC), “4th &Long” (Spike), "Beauty and the Geek" ( WB), “Hammertime” (A&E),“The Fashion Show” (Bravo), “The Pick Up Artist” (VH1), "For Love o rMoney" (NBC), "Age Of Love" (NBC), "Breaking Bonaduce" (VH1), "Scott Baio is 45 and Single" (VH1) and Unanimous" (FOX).
John Saade
SVP, Alternative Series, Specials and Late Night , ABC Entertainment
John Saade oversees Alternative Series, Specials and Late Night for ABC Entertainment as senior vice president. In this role, Mr. Saade focuses on development for ABC’s alternative series, along with current production and late night, as well as the management of the Alternative Series staff and spearheading the creative efforts for upcoming projects. Mr. Saade has been instrumental in acquiring, developing and over seeing such hits as “Dancing with the Stars,” “The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette,” “Extreme Makeover,” and “The Mole,” among many others. He has overseen many high profile specials, including The Oscars, TheEmmy's, the David Blaine specials, and Oprah Winfrey's specials for thenetwork, “Oprah’s Big Give” and “Leadership Academy.”
SVP, Alternative Series, Specials and Late Night , ABC Entertainment
John Saade oversees Alternative Series, Specials and Late Night for ABC Entertainment as senior vice president. In this role, Mr. Saade focuses on development for ABC’s alternative series, along with current production and late night, as well as the management of the Alternative Series staff and spearheading the creative efforts for upcoming projects. Mr. Saade has been instrumental in acquiring, developing and over seeing such hits as “Dancing with the Stars,” “The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette,” “Extreme Makeover,” and “The Mole,” among many others. He has overseen many high profile specials, including The Oscars, TheEmmy's, the David Blaine specials, and Oprah Winfrey's specials for thenetwork, “Oprah’s Big Give” and “Leadership Academy.”
Richard Saiz
Senior Programming Manager, ITVS
Richard Saiz is Senior Programming Manager at ITVS. Saiz has more than 35 years experience as a television journalist, producer, director and writer in both public and commercial broadcasting. He joined the ITVS staff in 1999 as the program manager for Open Call, ITVS’ single largest funding initiative. Saiz has produced and directed 18 documentaries which have garnered numerous awards, including the duPont-Columbia Silver Baton and “Best TV Documentary” from the San Francisco International Film Festival.
Senior Programming Manager, ITVS
Richard Saiz is Senior Programming Manager at ITVS. Saiz has more than 35 years experience as a television journalist, producer, director and writer in both public and commercial broadcasting. He joined the ITVS staff in 1999 as the program manager for Open Call, ITVS’ single largest funding initiative. Saiz has produced and directed 18 documentaries which have garnered numerous awards, including the duPont-Columbia Silver Baton and “Best TV Documentary” from the San Francisco International Film Festival.
Mark Samels
Executive Producer, American Experience, PBS
Mark Samels was named to lead PBS’s flagship history series, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, in 2003 after serving as senior producer since 1997. Produced by WGBH/Boston, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE is television’s most-watched and longest running history series, and the recipient of every major industry award, including the Peabody, Primetime Emmy, Writers Guild and duPont-Columbia Journalism Award. Numerous films for the series have been recognized at major film festivals, including Sundance, and eight have been nominated for Academy Awards. Prior to joining WGBH, Samels worked as an independent documentary filmmaker, an executive producer for several U.S. public television stations and as a producer for the first co-production between Japanese and American television. A native of Wisconsin, he is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Executive Producer, American Experience, PBS
Mark Samels was named to lead PBS’s flagship history series, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, in 2003 after serving as senior producer since 1997. Produced by WGBH/Boston, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE is television’s most-watched and longest running history series, and the recipient of every major industry award, including the Peabody, Primetime Emmy, Writers Guild and duPont-Columbia Journalism Award. Numerous films for the series have been recognized at major film festivals, including Sundance, and eight have been nominated for Academy Awards. Prior to joining WGBH, Samels worked as an independent documentary filmmaker, an executive producer for several U.S. public television stations and as a producer for the first co-production between Japanese and American television. A native of Wisconsin, he is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
David Sarno
Staff Writer, The Los Angeles Times
David Sarno covers digital business and new media for the Los Angeles Times, and writes for the Times’ Tech Blog at latimes.com/tech. Before he became a staff writer in 2007, he worked as a producer at the Times website. He was an editor for the Huffington Post in 2005, its first year, and before that was a freelance writer for Slate.com.
Staff Writer, The Los Angeles Times
David Sarno covers digital business and new media for the Los Angeles Times, and writes for the Times’ Tech Blog at latimes.com/tech. Before he became a staff writer in 2007, he worked as a producer at the Times website. He was an editor for the Huffington Post in 2005, its first year, and before that was a freelance writer for Slate.com.
Kay Schaber Wolf
Independent Film Executive, Writers Guild of America, West
Kay Schaber Wolf is the WGAW’s Independent Film Executive. Kay conducts outreach to emerging writers and filmmakers, encouraging them to use WGA contracts and join in the community of Guild writers. Working with the Independent Film Writers Steering Committee, she identifies and implements ways to increase independent narrative and documentary screenwriters' status and influence within the film industry. Prior to 2002, Kay worked at the WGAW for eight years in a variety of positions, most recently as an Industry Alliances Representative in the independent film, new media and animation areas. During that period she also worked a year at IFTA (Independent Film and Television Alliance) as the Director of Producer Services.
Independent Film Executive, Writers Guild of America, West
Kay Schaber Wolf is the WGAW’s Independent Film Executive. Kay conducts outreach to emerging writers and filmmakers, encouraging them to use WGA contracts and join in the community of Guild writers. Working with the Independent Film Writers Steering Committee, she identifies and implements ways to increase independent narrative and documentary screenwriters' status and influence within the film industry. Prior to 2002, Kay worked at the WGAW for eight years in a variety of positions, most recently as an Industry Alliances Representative in the independent film, new media and animation areas. During that period she also worked a year at IFTA (Independent Film and Television Alliance) as the Director of Producer Services.
Kyle Schember
Subtractive Inc.
Kyle Schember has been an entertainment industry professional for the past 15 years. He began working on films as a production assistant such as "Boogie Nights" and "Teaching Mrs. Tingle." in 2005, Kyle co-founded Subtractive Inc. with Ryan Stuit. They decided to form an entity that would emulate the best qualities of their previous experience utilizing the lessons learned and avoiding previous pitfalls witnessed from working at other firms. Kyle Schember was solely responsible for the sales and growth of the company in it's first 4 years company as started by a $ 1,000.00 stock investment and has grossed over 1.3 million dollars in it's 4th year. His strategy has always been to diversify the type of projects they were creating in the event that a certain area of commercials, television, or film dried up. Kyle has worked on projects with Joaquin Phoenix, Vince Vaughn, Robert Downey Jr., Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics, Snoop Dogg, and Brian Wilson.
Subtractive Inc.
Kyle Schember has been an entertainment industry professional for the past 15 years. He began working on films as a production assistant such as "Boogie Nights" and "Teaching Mrs. Tingle." in 2005, Kyle co-founded Subtractive Inc. with Ryan Stuit. They decided to form an entity that would emulate the best qualities of their previous experience utilizing the lessons learned and avoiding previous pitfalls witnessed from working at other firms. Kyle Schember was solely responsible for the sales and growth of the company in it's first 4 years company as started by a $ 1,000.00 stock investment and has grossed over 1.3 million dollars in it's 4th year. His strategy has always been to diversify the type of projects they were creating in the event that a certain area of commercials, television, or film dried up. Kyle has worked on projects with Joaquin Phoenix, Vince Vaughn, Robert Downey Jr., Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics, Snoop Dogg, and Brian Wilson.
Frank Scherma
President, @radical.media
Frank Scherma is the President of @radical.media, a global media and entertainment company that’s an award-winning producer of commercials, music videos, feature films, television programs, graphic and interactive design and original photography. Scherma’s awards include an Academy Award, Golden Globe, Independent Spirit Awards, Grammys, Emmys, and numerous MTV VMA Awards. Advertising awards include two Cannes Palme d’Or’s, Lions, D&ADs, One Show Pencils, Clios, and Art Directors cubes. In 2004, his company was bestowed with the National Design Award for Communications Excellence. Scherma has contributed significantly to Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP), IATSE, the Teamsters and the Director’s Guild of America.
President, @radical.media
Frank Scherma is the President of @radical.media, a global media and entertainment company that’s an award-winning producer of commercials, music videos, feature films, television programs, graphic and interactive design and original photography. Scherma’s awards include an Academy Award, Golden Globe, Independent Spirit Awards, Grammys, Emmys, and numerous MTV VMA Awards. Advertising awards include two Cannes Palme d’Or’s, Lions, D&ADs, One Show Pencils, Clios, and Art Directors cubes. In 2004, his company was bestowed with the National Design Award for Communications Excellence. Scherma has contributed significantly to Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP), IATSE, the Teamsters and the Director’s Guild of America.
David Schiff
VP of Programming and Development, The Game Show Network
David Schiff recently joined The Game Show Network as Vice President of Programming and Development where he oversees their original programming efforts. Previously, he was Vice President of Production and Development at A. Smith & Co. and World of Wonder. Schiff was involved in the development, sale and production of such hit shows as Hell’s Kitchen, I Survived a Japanese Game show, TLC’S Trading Spaces, Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura, IFL Battleground and Crime Scene University. He has produced programming for almost two-dozen networks including NBC, HBO, A&E, BRAVO, SUNDANCE, TV LAND, DISCOVERY, AMC, TCM,LIFETIME, WE, VH1, MTV and more. David also worked at E! Entertainment and VH1 producing the famed series E! True Hollywood Story and VH1 Behind the Music.
VP of Programming and Development, The Game Show Network
David Schiff recently joined The Game Show Network as Vice President of Programming and Development where he oversees their original programming efforts. Previously, he was Vice President of Production and Development at A. Smith & Co. and World of Wonder. Schiff was involved in the development, sale and production of such hit shows as Hell’s Kitchen, I Survived a Japanese Game show, TLC’S Trading Spaces, Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura, IFL Battleground and Crime Scene University. He has produced programming for almost two-dozen networks including NBC, HBO, A&E, BRAVO, SUNDANCE, TV LAND, DISCOVERY, AMC, TCM,LIFETIME, WE, VH1, MTV and more. David also worked at E! Entertainment and VH1 producing the famed series E! True Hollywood Story and VH1 Behind the Music.
Michael Schneider
Editor, Variety TV
Variety TV editor Michael Schneider learned to read by memorizing pages of TV Guide each week. He can still kick your ass at the magazine's crossword puzzle. Alas, young Michael turned his lifelong obsession with prime time schedules, cheesy network jingles, theme songs, TV call letters and "The Golden Girls" into an actual job in1995. That year he graduated from Northwestern University and was recruited to join weekly trade newspaper Electronic Media. He later spent time in Washington covering Congress for EM before heading out west in 1996 -- eventually moving up to Los Angeles bureau chief of Electronic Media. But in 1999, the entertainment industry bible Variety called. As TV editor for nearly a decade at Variety, he has continued to help make the world safe from bad scheduling moves, bizarre reality shows and sitcoms starring actors dressed as cavemen. As a TV expert, he has appeared on ABC's "World News Tonight" and "Primetime Live, "NBC's "Today" show and "Dateline NBC," CBS' "The Early Show," CNN,CNBC, E!, MSNBC, NPR, the BBC, and countless other programs and networks.
Editor, Variety TV
Variety TV editor Michael Schneider learned to read by memorizing pages of TV Guide each week. He can still kick your ass at the magazine's crossword puzzle. Alas, young Michael turned his lifelong obsession with prime time schedules, cheesy network jingles, theme songs, TV call letters and "The Golden Girls" into an actual job in1995. That year he graduated from Northwestern University and was recruited to join weekly trade newspaper Electronic Media. He later spent time in Washington covering Congress for EM before heading out west in 1996 -- eventually moving up to Los Angeles bureau chief of Electronic Media. But in 1999, the entertainment industry bible Variety called. As TV editor for nearly a decade at Variety, he has continued to help make the world safe from bad scheduling moves, bizarre reality shows and sitcoms starring actors dressed as cavemen. As a TV expert, he has appeared on ABC's "World News Tonight" and "Primetime Live, "NBC's "Today" show and "Dateline NBC," CBS' "The Early Show," CNN,CNBC, E!, MSNBC, NPR, the BBC, and countless other programs and networks.
Eric Schotz
President & CEO, LMNO Productions
Eric Schotz, President and CEO of LMNO Productions, is a nine-time Emmy-award winner whose innovative style and creativity has established him as one of the television industry's foremost producers/directors of non-fiction and reality-based programming for network, cable and syndicated television. His extensive credits include executive producing the highly successful CBS series, "Kids Say the Darndest Things" hosted by Bill Cosby; "Amazing Medical Stories" for TLC; "Final Justice with Erin Brockovich" for LIFETIME Television; “Steve Fossett: What Went Wrong?” for the Discovery Channel; the NBC reality drama, "Race to the Altar" and "Behind Closed Doors with Joan Lunden" for ABC and A&E.
President & CEO, LMNO Productions
Eric Schotz, President and CEO of LMNO Productions, is a nine-time Emmy-award winner whose innovative style and creativity has established him as one of the television industry's foremost producers/directors of non-fiction and reality-based programming for network, cable and syndicated television. His extensive credits include executive producing the highly successful CBS series, "Kids Say the Darndest Things" hosted by Bill Cosby; "Amazing Medical Stories" for TLC; "Final Justice with Erin Brockovich" for LIFETIME Television; “Steve Fossett: What Went Wrong?” for the Discovery Channel; the NBC reality drama, "Race to the Altar" and "Behind Closed Doors with Joan Lunden" for ABC and A&E.
Gary Shapiro
Head Of Development, Discovery Studios, West Coast
Gary Shapiro spearheads development for the West Coast branch of Discovery Studios. After spending time in a development overall with the Studio, Gary was brought on full-time to aid them in finding talent and creating projects for all the DCI networks including Discovery, TLC, Animal Planet, Science, I.D., Planet Green, and OWN. Before joining the DCI family, Gary served as Vice President of Alternative Programming for Fox Television Studios (FTVS) where he was in charge of series development, sales, and production for all networks. Under his tenure, Gary created and ran the docu-soap, “Inked,” for A&E and the hit talent show for The CW, “R U The Girl with T-Boz and Chilli.” Gary’s success at FTVS was predicated on his six years as an executive at USA Network, overseeing development and production for many series and specials at the net from renowned producers and companies including Mark Burnett, Shapiro-Grodner Productions, and Reveille. Gary graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelors degree in Television, Radio, and Film Production.
Head Of Development, Discovery Studios, West Coast
Gary Shapiro spearheads development for the West Coast branch of Discovery Studios. After spending time in a development overall with the Studio, Gary was brought on full-time to aid them in finding talent and creating projects for all the DCI networks including Discovery, TLC, Animal Planet, Science, I.D., Planet Green, and OWN. Before joining the DCI family, Gary served as Vice President of Alternative Programming for Fox Television Studios (FTVS) where he was in charge of series development, sales, and production for all networks. Under his tenure, Gary created and ran the docu-soap, “Inked,” for A&E and the hit talent show for The CW, “R U The Girl with T-Boz and Chilli.” Gary’s success at FTVS was predicated on his six years as an executive at USA Network, overseeing development and production for many series and specials at the net from renowned producers and companies including Mark Burnett, Shapiro-Grodner Productions, and Reveille. Gary graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelors degree in Television, Radio, and Film Production.
Robert Sharenow
SVP of Non-Fiction and Alternative Programming, A&E
Robert Sharenow is Senior Vice President of Non-Fiction & Alternative Programming at A&E Network. He is responsible for supervising the development and creation of all of A&E’s non-fiction programming including the network’s signature real-life series, justice franchises, critically acclaimed documentary series, A&E Indie Films, lifestyle programming, and marquee specials. He also oversees original program development for the Bio Channel. Sharenow has developed and/or served as executive producer on several critically acclaimed and hit real-lifeseries, including Intervention, Paranormal State, Obsessed, Dog the Bounty Hunter, Criss Angel Mindfreak, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, The First 48, Crime 360, Manhunters, and Growing Up Gotti.
SVP of Non-Fiction and Alternative Programming, A&E
Robert Sharenow is Senior Vice President of Non-Fiction & Alternative Programming at A&E Network. He is responsible for supervising the development and creation of all of A&E’s non-fiction programming including the network’s signature real-life series, justice franchises, critically acclaimed documentary series, A&E Indie Films, lifestyle programming, and marquee specials. He also oversees original program development for the Bio Channel. Sharenow has developed and/or served as executive producer on several critically acclaimed and hit real-lifeseries, including Intervention, Paranormal State, Obsessed, Dog the Bounty Hunter, Criss Angel Mindfreak, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, The First 48, Crime 360, Manhunters, and Growing Up Gotti.
Tom Shepard
Independent Producer
Tom Shepard has been producing and directing documentaries for over 13 years. He co-directed and produced KNOCKING about the history and experiences of Jehovah's Witnesses which broadcast nationally on the PBS program Independent Lens in May of 2007. In 2001, Shepard produced and directed SCOUT'S HONOR, a PBS-funded documentary about the anti-gay policy of the Boy Scouts of America. SCOUT'S HONOR won the two top awards at the Sundance Film Festival as well as several others including Grand Prize at the 2001 USA Film Festival. SCOUT'S HONOR broadcast nationally when it opened P.O.V.'s 14th season. Mr. Shepard coordinated national outreach campaigns in conjunction with the Independent Television Service (ITVS) for both of these films prior to broadcast. Recently, Shepard directed WHIZ KIDS, a feature documentary that chronicles the lives of three high schoolers who compete in the nation's oldest and most prestigious science competition, a competition that Shepard won himself when he was in high school 20 years ago.
Independent Producer
Tom Shepard has been producing and directing documentaries for over 13 years. He co-directed and produced KNOCKING about the history and experiences of Jehovah's Witnesses which broadcast nationally on the PBS program Independent Lens in May of 2007. In 2001, Shepard produced and directed SCOUT'S HONOR, a PBS-funded documentary about the anti-gay policy of the Boy Scouts of America. SCOUT'S HONOR won the two top awards at the Sundance Film Festival as well as several others including Grand Prize at the 2001 USA Film Festival. SCOUT'S HONOR broadcast nationally when it opened P.O.V.'s 14th season. Mr. Shepard coordinated national outreach campaigns in conjunction with the Independent Television Service (ITVS) for both of these films prior to broadcast. Recently, Shepard directed WHIZ KIDS, a feature documentary that chronicles the lives of three high schoolers who compete in the nation's oldest and most prestigious science competition, a competition that Shepard won himself when he was in high school 20 years ago.
Noel Siegel
Vice President, Production and Development, Fox Reality Channel
Noel Siegel serves as Vice President, Production and Development, Fox Reality Channel where he is responsible for overseeing all development projects and staff, and guides current productions including “The Academy,” “Solitary,” “Househusbands of Hollywood,” “Battle of the Bods,” and the upcoming “Cindy Margolis Project.” Siegel’s involvement with Fox Reality Channel began with the network’s launch in May 2005. Previously the Director of Development, one of Siegel’s responsibilities was executive in charge of Production/Co-Executive Producer for Fox Reality Channel originals including “My Bare Lady,” and the channel’s first original series to be produced for online consumption first, “Nightclub Confessions.”
Vice President, Production and Development, Fox Reality Channel
Noel Siegel serves as Vice President, Production and Development, Fox Reality Channel where he is responsible for overseeing all development projects and staff, and guides current productions including “The Academy,” “Solitary,” “Househusbands of Hollywood,” “Battle of the Bods,” and the upcoming “Cindy Margolis Project.” Siegel’s involvement with Fox Reality Channel began with the network’s launch in May 2005. Previously the Director of Development, one of Siegel’s responsibilities was executive in charge of Production/Co-Executive Producer for Fox Reality Channel originals including “My Bare Lady,” and the channel’s first original series to be produced for online consumption first, “Nightclub Confessions.”
Arthur Smith
CEO of A. Smith & Co. Productions
Arthur Smith founded A. Smith & Co. Productions with longtime friend Kent Weed in 2000 and serves as Executive Producer on all the company’s productions. Smith is also a lead consultant to major media companies and sport entities including clients such as Paul Allen, The Harlem Globetrotters, and Gemstar/TV Guide. Additionally Smith serves on the boards of several sports organizations. Smith began producing network television at the age of 22 at CBC Network Sports, producing three Olympic Games for which he won numerous awards, including two prestigious Gemini Awards. At the age of 28, he was named head of CBC Sports. Following CBC, Smith spent four years as Senior Vice President of Dick Clark Productions where he was responsible for Producing and Executive Producing When Stars Were Kids and Caught in the Act for NBC as well as Battle of the Bands, The Jim Thorpe Pro Sports Awards, and The Great 18 Golf Championship or ABC. Smith went on to become Senior Vice President of MCA Television Group in 1995. Within months, he garnered commitments for shows from ABC, NBC, FOX and CBS. Prior to launching A. Smith & Co. in November 2000, Smith held the role of Executive Vice President of Programming, Production and News for FOX SPORTS. While at FOX, Smith launched 22 sports networks and acted as Executive Producer on over 4,500 events and thousands of original hours of programming each year.
CEO of A. Smith & Co. Productions
Arthur Smith founded A. Smith & Co. Productions with longtime friend Kent Weed in 2000 and serves as Executive Producer on all the company’s productions. Smith is also a lead consultant to major media companies and sport entities including clients such as Paul Allen, The Harlem Globetrotters, and Gemstar/TV Guide. Additionally Smith serves on the boards of several sports organizations. Smith began producing network television at the age of 22 at CBC Network Sports, producing three Olympic Games for which he won numerous awards, including two prestigious Gemini Awards. At the age of 28, he was named head of CBC Sports. Following CBC, Smith spent four years as Senior Vice President of Dick Clark Productions where he was responsible for Producing and Executive Producing When Stars Were Kids and Caught in the Act for NBC as well as Battle of the Bands, The Jim Thorpe Pro Sports Awards, and The Great 18 Golf Championship or ABC. Smith went on to become Senior Vice President of MCA Television Group in 1995. Within months, he garnered commitments for shows from ABC, NBC, FOX and CBS. Prior to launching A. Smith & Co. in November 2000, Smith held the role of Executive Vice President of Programming, Production and News for FOX SPORTS. While at FOX, Smith launched 22 sports networks and acted as Executive Producer on over 4,500 events and thousands of original hours of programming each year.
Lisa Smithline
Producer, Marketing strategist, Co-Founder of The Cultural Front: Marketing & Media
Lisa Smithline creates strategic distribution campaigns using film and new media. Her current career integrates a commitment to community organizing with an extensive background in film, television and commercial production. As founding partner of Brave New Films and director of alternative marketing at Focus Features, Lisa pioneered a new model of community-based distribution. She has produced successful marketing campaigns for many popular documentary films including Academy Award nominated TROUBLE THE WATER and Stacy Peralta’s CRIPS & BLOODS: Made in America. She is currently working with Ondi Timoner's Sundance Grand Jury winner WE LIVE IN PUBLIC, Joe Berlinger’s CRUDE and DIRT! The Movie, implementing new technologies and formats for today’s rapidly changing marketing platforms.
Producer, Marketing strategist, Co-Founder of The Cultural Front: Marketing & Media
Lisa Smithline creates strategic distribution campaigns using film and new media. Her current career integrates a commitment to community organizing with an extensive background in film, television and commercial production. As founding partner of Brave New Films and director of alternative marketing at Focus Features, Lisa pioneered a new model of community-based distribution. She has produced successful marketing campaigns for many popular documentary films including Academy Award nominated TROUBLE THE WATER and Stacy Peralta’s CRIPS & BLOODS: Made in America. She is currently working with Ondi Timoner's Sundance Grand Jury winner WE LIVE IN PUBLIC, Joe Berlinger’s CRUDE and DIRT! The Movie, implementing new technologies and formats for today’s rapidly changing marketing platforms.
Frank Stiefel
Executive Producer, @Radical Media
Frank Stiefel has been an active and influential member of the television commercial production industry for many years. For 17 years he was the President and Executive Producer of Stiefel + Co., a commercial production company located in Santa Monica, CA. Stiefel + Co won multiple Gold Lions at the Cannes Film Festivals as well as top honors at the Clio awards and the AICP Show. The company produced over 1500 commercials since it’s beginning in 1986. In September 2002, Stiefel & Company was acquired by @Radical Media, a company with offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Sydney, London, Paris, Berlin. Mr. Stiefel is the Executive Producer of @Radical Media. He has served on the EastCoast and West Coast boards of the Association of Independent Commercial Producers.
Executive Producer, @Radical Media
Frank Stiefel has been an active and influential member of the television commercial production industry for many years. For 17 years he was the President and Executive Producer of Stiefel + Co., a commercial production company located in Santa Monica, CA. Stiefel + Co won multiple Gold Lions at the Cannes Film Festivals as well as top honors at the Clio awards and the AICP Show. The company produced over 1500 commercials since it’s beginning in 1986. In September 2002, Stiefel & Company was acquired by @Radical Media, a company with offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Sydney, London, Paris, Berlin. Mr. Stiefel is the Executive Producer of @Radical Media. He has served on the EastCoast and West Coast boards of the Association of Independent Commercial Producers.
Scott Stone
Executive Producer, Stone & Company
Scott Stone has been in the reality business for 25 years. He has produced many top rated shows including ABC’s Emmy-winning international competition series “The Mole”; Bravo’s interior design competition,“Top Design;” Travel Channel’s series “1,000 Places to See Before YouDie” based on the longtime bestseller; Logo’s “Curl Girls” series about lesbian surfers; and Style Network’s romance series “I Propose.”
Executive Producer, Stone & Company
Scott Stone has been in the reality business for 25 years. He has produced many top rated shows including ABC’s Emmy-winning international competition series “The Mole”; Bravo’s interior design competition,“Top Design;” Travel Channel’s series “1,000 Places to See Before YouDie” based on the longtime bestseller; Logo’s “Curl Girls” series about lesbian surfers; and Style Network’s romance series “I Propose.”
David Straus
Founder and CEO, Withoutabox
David Straus brings an entrepreneur's vision and an idealist's passion to his position as Founder and CEO of Withoutabox, a company that builds systems to democratize distribution for indie filmmakers that he co-founded in 2000. IMDb.com, a division of Amazon, acquired Withoutabox in January of 2008. Today Withoutabox works with nearly 300,000 independent rights owners in over 200 countries around the world. In addition to his work running the Los Angeles office of IMDb, Straus is also a board member of the Zimmer Children’s Museum in Los Angeles California, and actively participates in helping to shape and grow its YouThink program which provides resources for inner-city children to become active in local and state government. Straus is also on the board of the LA based organization, Jewish World Watch, whose mission is to eliminate genocide anywhere around the world. Prior to founding Withoutabox, Straus produced several films as well as worked on several political campaigns. He worked on Dianne Feinstein’s gubernatorial bid in 1990, and served as a member of the National Advance Staff for President Clinton during his 1992 campaign.
Founder and CEO, Withoutabox
David Straus brings an entrepreneur's vision and an idealist's passion to his position as Founder and CEO of Withoutabox, a company that builds systems to democratize distribution for indie filmmakers that he co-founded in 2000. IMDb.com, a division of Amazon, acquired Withoutabox in January of 2008. Today Withoutabox works with nearly 300,000 independent rights owners in over 200 countries around the world. In addition to his work running the Los Angeles office of IMDb, Straus is also a board member of the Zimmer Children’s Museum in Los Angeles California, and actively participates in helping to shape and grow its YouThink program which provides resources for inner-city children to become active in local and state government. Straus is also on the board of the LA based organization, Jewish World Watch, whose mission is to eliminate genocide anywhere around the world. Prior to founding Withoutabox, Straus produced several films as well as worked on several political campaigns. He worked on Dianne Feinstein’s gubernatorial bid in 1990, and served as a member of the National Advance Staff for President Clinton during his 1992 campaign.
Jeff Swimmer
Director, Producer
Jeff Swimmer directs the International Documentary program in the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, at Chapman University. An Associate Professor, he teaches Documentary Production courses and leads students around the world on documentary expeditions, producing programs about issues of development and human rights. He is an award-winning director and producer of documentary films on both sides of the Atlantic. His programs have aired on PBS, BBC, National Geographic, NBC News, Discovery, CNN, Bravo, A&E, The History Channel and others. His “Northern Ireland: Dying For Peace” (Supervising Producer, CNN) won a 2001 DuPont Award. More recent work includes the top-rated “Can Animals Predict Disaster?” for PBS’ “Nature” series and National Geographic Television worldwide (2005). He Wrote and Produced in 2007 a 4-hour series for National Geographic Television called “Inside Extraordinary Humans,” with Authentic Entertainment.
Director, Producer
Jeff Swimmer directs the International Documentary program in the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, at Chapman University. An Associate Professor, he teaches Documentary Production courses and leads students around the world on documentary expeditions, producing programs about issues of development and human rights. He is an award-winning director and producer of documentary films on both sides of the Atlantic. His programs have aired on PBS, BBC, National Geographic, NBC News, Discovery, CNN, Bravo, A&E, The History Channel and others. His “Northern Ireland: Dying For Peace” (Supervising Producer, CNN) won a 2001 DuPont Award. More recent work includes the top-rated “Can Animals Predict Disaster?” for PBS’ “Nature” series and National Geographic Television worldwide (2005). He Wrote and Produced in 2007 a 4-hour series for National Geographic Television called “Inside Extraordinary Humans,” with Authentic Entertainment.
Napper Tandy
Writer, Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles
Napper currently wields his creative talents as an associate creative director for the advertising agency David and Goliath in LA. Napper’s found the ad business a nice fit, providing the opportunity to solve real problems with an over active imagination and a compelling sense of humor. Creative pinnacles for Napper have been acting as a writer on seven of the highly acclaimed Toyota Tacoma commercials, serving as an associate creative director and writer on the launch of the FJ Cruiser, and most recently the writing and producing of two forty-five minute branded documentaries which ran on Speed Channel. Napper’s work has been recognized by a variety of advertising award shows most notably with the Graphis Poster Annual, an IAAA, an ANDY as well as being shortlisted for a Cannes Lion and Titanium Lion. The New York Times also featured an article on Napper’s first branded documentary “Two Roads to Baja”, describing it as “a unique marketing effort and a solution to the growing ability of viewers to avoid traditional commercials”.
Writer, Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles
Napper currently wields his creative talents as an associate creative director for the advertising agency David and Goliath in LA. Napper’s found the ad business a nice fit, providing the opportunity to solve real problems with an over active imagination and a compelling sense of humor. Creative pinnacles for Napper have been acting as a writer on seven of the highly acclaimed Toyota Tacoma commercials, serving as an associate creative director and writer on the launch of the FJ Cruiser, and most recently the writing and producing of two forty-five minute branded documentaries which ran on Speed Channel. Napper’s work has been recognized by a variety of advertising award shows most notably with the Graphis Poster Annual, an IAAA, an ANDY as well as being shortlisted for a Cannes Lion and Titanium Lion. The New York Times also featured an article on Napper’s first branded documentary “Two Roads to Baja”, describing it as “a unique marketing effort and a solution to the growing ability of viewers to avoid traditional commercials”.
Gary Tarpinian
President, MorningStar Entertainment
Gary Tarpinian is President of MorningStar Entertainment, a leading producer of non-fiction television programming, with offices in Burbank and New York City. Tarpinian and his producing partner Paninee Theeranuntawat are the executive producers and creators of A&E’s hit real life series, “MANHUNTERS – Fugitive Task Force” – which is now in its second season of production. Tarpinian also produced one of the highest rated programs of the year on the History Channel: “The Seven Signs of the Apocalypse”. Currently Tarpinian, Theeranuntawat and MorningStar are producing the second season of one of the most talked about new non-fiction series in years: Spike’s “Deadliest Warrior”. It was the number one non-sports cable program in 2009 for males 18-35 and Spike’s most successful show launch in five years. Tarpinian & Theeranuntawat also created and are producing the highly anticipated “Special Ops Missions” on Discovery Military and a new medical reality series for TLC.
President, MorningStar Entertainment
Gary Tarpinian is President of MorningStar Entertainment, a leading producer of non-fiction television programming, with offices in Burbank and New York City. Tarpinian and his producing partner Paninee Theeranuntawat are the executive producers and creators of A&E’s hit real life series, “MANHUNTERS – Fugitive Task Force” – which is now in its second season of production. Tarpinian also produced one of the highest rated programs of the year on the History Channel: “The Seven Signs of the Apocalypse”. Currently Tarpinian, Theeranuntawat and MorningStar are producing the second season of one of the most talked about new non-fiction series in years: Spike’s “Deadliest Warrior”. It was the number one non-sports cable program in 2009 for males 18-35 and Spike’s most successful show launch in five years. Tarpinian & Theeranuntawat also created and are producing the highly anticipated “Special Ops Missions” on Discovery Military and a new medical reality series for TLC.
Ondi Timoner
Fiilmmaker
Ondi Timoner, the only filmmaker to ever win the Sundance Grand Jury Prize twice -- graduated from Yale University cum laude and founded Interloper Films in 1994. She achieved worldwide critical acclaim with her feature length documentary, DIG! – which took home the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival (2004). Her short film, Recycle (2005), was a winner at the ICG Awards, and screened at both Sundance and Cannes. Since DIG!, Timoner has also directed commercials for McDonald’s, State Farm, DeVry, the Army and Ford, which has helped her independently fund her latest film projects, JOIN US, released in 2007, and WE LIVE IN PUBLIC. In March 2008, Timoner traveled to Ethiopia to shoot THE GREATEST GIFT, a short film for the non-profit organization, One Love Africa Schools. In October 2008, she returned to Africa, traveling to Ethiopia and Senegal, where she directed/produced two shorts for the prestigious annual show CNN: HEROES. She is currently directing and producing COOL IT, a documentary which explores the issues of global warming from a socio-economic perspective as they relate to the immediate needs of the developing world. Timoner’s narrative directorial debut will be THE PERFECT MOMENT, about the controversial life and work of Robert Mapplethorpe.
Fiilmmaker
Ondi Timoner, the only filmmaker to ever win the Sundance Grand Jury Prize twice -- graduated from Yale University cum laude and founded Interloper Films in 1994. She achieved worldwide critical acclaim with her feature length documentary, DIG! – which took home the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival (2004). Her short film, Recycle (2005), was a winner at the ICG Awards, and screened at both Sundance and Cannes. Since DIG!, Timoner has also directed commercials for McDonald’s, State Farm, DeVry, the Army and Ford, which has helped her independently fund her latest film projects, JOIN US, released in 2007, and WE LIVE IN PUBLIC. In March 2008, Timoner traveled to Ethiopia to shoot THE GREATEST GIFT, a short film for the non-profit organization, One Love Africa Schools. In October 2008, she returned to Africa, traveling to Ethiopia and Senegal, where she directed/produced two shorts for the prestigious annual show CNN: HEROES. She is currently directing and producing COOL IT, a documentary which explores the issues of global warming from a socio-economic perspective as they relate to the immediate needs of the developing world. Timoner’s narrative directorial debut will be THE PERFECT MOMENT, about the controversial life and work of Robert Mapplethorpe.
Kristen Vadas
Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming, The CW
Kristen Vadas is Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming at The CW Network. Vadas supervises the on-going production of The CW’s current reality franchises, including the hit series “America’s Next Top Model,” as well as the development of all future alternative and reality series for the network. The first two reality series under her jurisdiction, “Hitched or Ditched” and “Blonde Charity Mafia”, premiered on the CW this summer. With a background that combines both development and production, Vadas previously served as Vice President, Development at Oxygen Media, where she was involved with the creation and production of the network’s slate of reality and scripted programming. During her tenure at Oxygen, she worked on several of the network’s signature series, including “Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood,” “The Bad Girls Club,” “Girls Behaving Badly,” the award-winning series “Mo’Nique’s Fat Chance” and “Campus Ladies,” as well as the new series “Coolio’s Rules.” She joined Oxygen Media in 2003 to build the network’s west coast development presence.
Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming, The CW
Kristen Vadas is Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming at The CW Network. Vadas supervises the on-going production of The CW’s current reality franchises, including the hit series “America’s Next Top Model,” as well as the development of all future alternative and reality series for the network. The first two reality series under her jurisdiction, “Hitched or Ditched” and “Blonde Charity Mafia”, premiered on the CW this summer. With a background that combines both development and production, Vadas previously served as Vice President, Development at Oxygen Media, where she was involved with the creation and production of the network’s slate of reality and scripted programming. During her tenure at Oxygen, she worked on several of the network’s signature series, including “Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood,” “The Bad Girls Club,” “Girls Behaving Badly,” the award-winning series “Mo’Nique’s Fat Chance” and “Campus Ladies,” as well as the new series “Coolio’s Rules.” She joined Oxygen Media in 2003 to build the network’s west coast development presence.
Sandy Varo
Vice President, Reality Programming, Lifetime Networks
Sandy Varo joined Lifetime Networks as Vice President, Reality Programming, in July 2007. She is responsible for developing and overseeing original unscripted programming for the leading women’s television network, Lifetime. During her tenure at Lifetime, Varo has supervised the production efforts of such unscripted series as Cook Yourself Thin, featuring food experts Harry Eastwood, Allison Fishman and Candice Kumai and helped create The New York Times best-selling book of the same name. She also oversaw Lifetime’s How to Look Good Naked, starring Carson Kressley and Your Mama Don’t Dance with host Ian Ziering. Before joining Lifetime, Varo was Director of Alternative Series at CBS Entertainment, where she worked on such critically-acclaimed reality shows as Amazing Race, Survivor, and Rock Star: INXS. Before that, she was a producer on numerous successful broadcast and cable network programs as Fox’s Hell’s Kitchen, CBS’ Big Brother, MSNBC’s Headliners and Legends, TLC’s A Personal Story and Discovery Health’s Adoption Stories.
Vice President, Reality Programming, Lifetime Networks
Sandy Varo joined Lifetime Networks as Vice President, Reality Programming, in July 2007. She is responsible for developing and overseeing original unscripted programming for the leading women’s television network, Lifetime. During her tenure at Lifetime, Varo has supervised the production efforts of such unscripted series as Cook Yourself Thin, featuring food experts Harry Eastwood, Allison Fishman and Candice Kumai and helped create The New York Times best-selling book of the same name. She also oversaw Lifetime’s How to Look Good Naked, starring Carson Kressley and Your Mama Don’t Dance with host Ian Ziering. Before joining Lifetime, Varo was Director of Alternative Series at CBS Entertainment, where she worked on such critically-acclaimed reality shows as Amazing Race, Survivor, and Rock Star: INXS. Before that, she was a producer on numerous successful broadcast and cable network programs as Fox’s Hell’s Kitchen, CBS’ Big Brother, MSNBC’s Headliners and Legends, TLC’s A Personal Story and Discovery Health’s Adoption Stories.
Steve Wax
Managing Partner, Campfire
After working for Francis Coppola’s American Zoetrope, Wax became a founding member of the landmark San Francisco film collective, Cine Manifest. He was also a founding board member of the Independent Feature Project, both in New York and LA. He was chosen as a member of the first group of filmmakers for the Sundance Institute film development program. He also co-produced the 2000 Oscar Nominated short film, "Killing Joe", and a number of documentaries and television series. Wax’s remarkable production career has benefited Campfire campaigns including True Blood for HBO, MyHome2.0 for Verizon, Audi’s Art of the Heist (Creativity Magazine’s campaign of the year), and Sega Beta-7 (winner of the Yahoo! Big Idea Chair, a silver Andy, a One Show Gold Pencil, and multiple Clios.) He is presently Managing Partner at Campfire. With his partners, Gregg Hale and Mike Monello, the producers of The Blair Witch Project, and Jeremiah Rosen,Steve has created numerous marketing projects for brand and entertainment clients via interactive storytelling.
Managing Partner, Campfire
After working for Francis Coppola’s American Zoetrope, Wax became a founding member of the landmark San Francisco film collective, Cine Manifest. He was also a founding board member of the Independent Feature Project, both in New York and LA. He was chosen as a member of the first group of filmmakers for the Sundance Institute film development program. He also co-produced the 2000 Oscar Nominated short film, "Killing Joe", and a number of documentaries and television series. Wax’s remarkable production career has benefited Campfire campaigns including True Blood for HBO, MyHome2.0 for Verizon, Audi’s Art of the Heist (Creativity Magazine’s campaign of the year), and Sega Beta-7 (winner of the Yahoo! Big Idea Chair, a silver Andy, a One Show Gold Pencil, and multiple Clios.) He is presently Managing Partner at Campfire. With his partners, Gregg Hale and Mike Monello, the producers of The Blair Witch Project, and Jeremiah Rosen,Steve has created numerous marketing projects for brand and entertainment clients via interactive storytelling.
Kent Weed
President, A. Smith & Co.
As President of A. Smith & Co., Kent Weed serves as Executive Producer on all its shows as well as directing many of the company’s projects, receiving a DGA nomination for I Survived a Japanese Game Show and the “Rose d’Or” award winner for best reality show in 2009. He directed Crash Course for ABC, as well as The Swan, Skating with Celebrities, and I Married a Stranger for FOX. He directed big events like Farm Aid for ABC and hours of magic specials including Lance Burton, Champions of Magic, Wildest Magic on Earth, and Houdini’s Secrets – revealed. Weed was on the ground floor of the reality genre with shows like Pure Insanity, Made in the USA, and Fantasies of the Stars. In addition to directing, Weed also took on the producing responsibilities for many of the television shows he became involved with including The World Music Awards and Champions of Magic for ABC; comedy shows such as Haywire for FOX, and Comedy Classics for CBS; and reality projects such as Made in the USA for NBC.
President, A. Smith & Co.
As President of A. Smith & Co., Kent Weed serves as Executive Producer on all its shows as well as directing many of the company’s projects, receiving a DGA nomination for I Survived a Japanese Game Show and the “Rose d’Or” award winner for best reality show in 2009. He directed Crash Course for ABC, as well as The Swan, Skating with Celebrities, and I Married a Stranger for FOX. He directed big events like Farm Aid for ABC and hours of magic specials including Lance Burton, Champions of Magic, Wildest Magic on Earth, and Houdini’s Secrets – revealed. Weed was on the ground floor of the reality genre with shows like Pure Insanity, Made in the USA, and Fantasies of the Stars. In addition to directing, Weed also took on the producing responsibilities for many of the television shows he became involved with including The World Music Awards and Champions of Magic for ABC; comedy shows such as Haywire for FOX, and Comedy Classics for CBS; and reality projects such as Made in the USA for NBC.
Joe Weinstock
Director, Original Series, Spike TV
Joe Weinstock became Director, Original Series at Spike TV in March 2009. He is responsible for soliciting and evaluating show idea submissions; researching and developing show ideas that originate from both internal sources and acquired pitches; and overseeing show production from pilot development through series post-production. Weinstock currently works on such high-profile Spike TV series as Pros vs. Joes, Jesse James Is A Dead Man, 4th And Long, Deadliest Warrior and Surviving Disaster. Weinstock began his career as a lawyer then joined MTV Networks in 2005 in the Business and Legal Affairs Department at Comedy Central in Los Angeles. Soon thereafter, Weinstock jumped to the Spike TV development team in 2006 and most recently served as Manager, Spike TV Development where he worked on Spike's Most Amazing Videos, Disorderly Conduct, MXC, Pros vs. Joes and DEA.
Director, Original Series, Spike TV
Joe Weinstock became Director, Original Series at Spike TV in March 2009. He is responsible for soliciting and evaluating show idea submissions; researching and developing show ideas that originate from both internal sources and acquired pitches; and overseeing show production from pilot development through series post-production. Weinstock currently works on such high-profile Spike TV series as Pros vs. Joes, Jesse James Is A Dead Man, 4th And Long, Deadliest Warrior and Surviving Disaster. Weinstock began his career as a lawyer then joined MTV Networks in 2005 in the Business and Legal Affairs Department at Comedy Central in Los Angeles. Soon thereafter, Weinstock jumped to the Spike TV development team in 2006 and most recently served as Manager, Spike TV Development where he worked on Spike's Most Amazing Videos, Disorderly Conduct, MXC, Pros vs. Joes and DEA.
Tom White
Editor, Documentary Magazine
Thomas White is editor of Documentary magazine, the quarterly publication of the International Documentary Association (IDA), as well as content editor of the IDA’s website, www.documentary.org, which includes the online monthly Documentary e-zine. Documentary was honored in 2008 with a Western Publications Association Maggie Award nomination for best publication in the Communication, Advertising and The Arts/Trade category. White has been affiliated with the magazine since 1996, when he was named assistant editor; he was appointed editor in June 2000. In addition to his articles in Documentary, his work has appeared in The Independent Film & Video Monthly, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety International Film Guide, indieWIRE and Release Print (now Film Arts). White recently wrote study guides for the American Documentary Showcase, a curated program of contemporary documentaries that is offered to US Embassies for screening abroad; he was subsequently appointed to be a Delegate Specialist with the Showcase, and headed the delegation to Israel and Jordan in May 2009. White has served on the juries of the International Documentary FilmFestival Amsterdam, International Documentary Challenge, the HBO Comedy Film Festival, the Denver International Film Festival and the AFI Film Fest, and on panels at the NATPE Producer’s Boot Camp, the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) Conference, the Seattle International Film Festival, and the AFI Dallas International Film Festival. He was a Delegate to the 2004 and 2005 editions of the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival, and he has moderated numerous panels and discussion sessions at various IDA programs.
Editor, Documentary Magazine
Thomas White is editor of Documentary magazine, the quarterly publication of the International Documentary Association (IDA), as well as content editor of the IDA’s website, www.documentary.org, which includes the online monthly Documentary e-zine. Documentary was honored in 2008 with a Western Publications Association Maggie Award nomination for best publication in the Communication, Advertising and The Arts/Trade category. White has been affiliated with the magazine since 1996, when he was named assistant editor; he was appointed editor in June 2000. In addition to his articles in Documentary, his work has appeared in The Independent Film & Video Monthly, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety International Film Guide, indieWIRE and Release Print (now Film Arts). White recently wrote study guides for the American Documentary Showcase, a curated program of contemporary documentaries that is offered to US Embassies for screening abroad; he was subsequently appointed to be a Delegate Specialist with the Showcase, and headed the delegation to Israel and Jordan in May 2009. White has served on the juries of the International Documentary FilmFestival Amsterdam, International Documentary Challenge, the HBO Comedy Film Festival, the Denver International Film Festival and the AFI Film Fest, and on panels at the NATPE Producer’s Boot Camp, the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) Conference, the Seattle International Film Festival, and the AFI Dallas International Film Festival. He was a Delegate to the 2004 and 2005 editions of the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival, and he has moderated numerous panels and discussion sessions at various IDA programs.
Winnie Wong
Entertainment Insurance Broker
Winnie has been an entertainment insurance broker for the past 22 years and handles independent features, television, reality, documentary and commercial films. She has long-standing relationships with the leading entertainment insurance carriers and provides broad, cost-effective insurance programs for her clients. Winnie has represented a number of prestigious accounts such as MGM Studios, Universal Studios, and countless television, commercial and documentary production companies. In addition, she is dedicated to educating her clients, and has taught entertainment insurance for UCLA Extension, International Documentary Association (IDA) and Film Independent (FIND). She writes a weekly blog called, “Lights, Camera, Insurance” hosted by Film Independent, has authored articles for various film publications, and has participated on panels for American Film Market and Slamdance.
Entertainment Insurance Broker
Winnie has been an entertainment insurance broker for the past 22 years and handles independent features, television, reality, documentary and commercial films. She has long-standing relationships with the leading entertainment insurance carriers and provides broad, cost-effective insurance programs for her clients. Winnie has represented a number of prestigious accounts such as MGM Studios, Universal Studios, and countless television, commercial and documentary production companies. In addition, she is dedicated to educating her clients, and has taught entertainment insurance for UCLA Extension, International Documentary Association (IDA) and Film Independent (FIND). She writes a weekly blog called, “Lights, Camera, Insurance” hosted by Film Independent, has authored articles for various film publications, and has participated on panels for American Film Market and Slamdance.
Jordan Yospe
Entertainment Attorney
Jordan Yospe is recognized as one of the country’s leading brand integration experts and an authority in sourcing, negotiating, and managing brand integration deals for feature films, television, new media, music, and video games. His work includes negotiating and drafting multimillion dollar integration and activation agreements, as well as executing the business and creative elements of those agreements during pre-production, principal photography, post-production, and domestic and international distribution. In 2008 and again in 2009, Mr. Yospe was named to the Hollywood Reporter's "Power Lawyer" 100 Most Influential Attorneys in Hollywood listing.
Entertainment Attorney
Jordan Yospe is recognized as one of the country’s leading brand integration experts and an authority in sourcing, negotiating, and managing brand integration deals for feature films, television, new media, music, and video games. His work includes negotiating and drafting multimillion dollar integration and activation agreements, as well as executing the business and creative elements of those agreements during pre-production, principal photography, post-production, and domestic and international distribution. In 2008 and again in 2009, Mr. Yospe was named to the Hollywood Reporter's "Power Lawyer" 100 Most Influential Attorneys in Hollywood listing.
Brent Zacky
Vice President of Development, TLC
Brent Zacky is an award winning writer/director who has produced non-fiction programming for many cable networks including E! Entertainment Television, Style, A&E, History Channel and AMC. Zacky joined the executive ranks in 2005 at E! Networks where he oversaw such diverse projects as Dr. 90210, The Girls Next Door and Chelsea Lately. He joined TLC in 2007 as Vice President of Production, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the network’s slate of established and new series and specials, including the Miss America Pageant. He currently serves as Vice President of Development, helping shape the long-term programming strategy for TLC.
Vice President of Development, TLC
Brent Zacky is an award winning writer/director who has produced non-fiction programming for many cable networks including E! Entertainment Television, Style, A&E, History Channel and AMC. Zacky joined the executive ranks in 2005 at E! Networks where he oversaw such diverse projects as Dr. 90210, The Girls Next Door and Chelsea Lately. He joined TLC in 2007 as Vice President of Production, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the network’s slate of established and new series and specials, including the Miss America Pageant. He currently serves as Vice President of Development, helping shape the long-term programming strategy for TLC.